326 REPUTATION OF VINEYARDS. 



difference in the period of the vintage of the white and the 

 black grapes arises from a delay in the maturity of the former, 

 which circumstance may doubtless be correctly accounted for 

 by the greater operation of the sun upon dark coloured fruits, 

 than on those of a paler hue. The vines are often entirely 

 divested of foliage before the crops are gathered, and at such 

 time present a beautiful appearance ; and it is a fact that the 

 vintage is not generally performed in France, until after there 

 has been considerable frost, which is not deemed an injury to 

 the grapes when their maturity is previously far advanced. 



The effects of frost are well known in regard to various 

 products of vegetation. It not only converts mucilage into 

 starch, but the latter into saccharine matter, instance the freez- 

 ing of potatoes, which gives them a sweetish taste, probably 

 by converting the starch which they contain into sugar. 

 There are several of our indigenous fruits which are alto- 

 gether unpalatable until the operation of frost has divested 

 them of their acid or astringent properties, and imparted to 

 them a degree of sweetness and mildness of flavour among 

 which is the frost grape, so called from this circumstance, the 

 persimmon, and some others. 



In regard to the particular manner of gathering the crops 

 as practised in the European and other foreign vineyards, 

 the subject will be discussed hereafter under the heads of the 

 respective countries. 



Reputation of vineyards. 



It is a well known fact, that among the vineyards which 

 have at different periods acquired great renown, there are some 

 which have only existed for a time, and others whose reputa- 

 tion has been but of ephemeral endurance, because a single 

 circumstance may suffice to destroy it, or obliterate its remem- 

 brance. A change of the proprietor or ownership is generally 

 followed by a new method of culture. The circumstance of 

 the cultivation being less carefully attended to ; any neglect 

 in the management or renewal of the vines most appropriate 

 to the situation and climate ; a less degree of care or any 



