CHAPTER V. 



SOIL AND SITUATION. 



"T TTHEN we consider the exorbitant price of some 

 of the vineyard-lands in favorite localities (some 

 spots on the Rhine being appraised at eight to ten thou- 

 sand dollars per acre), we might infer that it is only in 

 these localities that we can expect good results. Price is 

 indeed the great index of the comparative value of an 

 article. Applying this index to grape-lands, we shall find 

 a vast preference given to one situation over another. 

 Probably the Rhine vineyards are valued at a higher rate 

 for the mere purpose of cultivation than any other land 

 on the globe. Quite different in character, yet held at the 

 enormous prices of a thousand to five thousand dollars 

 per acre, are the wine-districts of Bordeaux and of Bur- 



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