CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 213 



apparent differences more easily than in many other in- 

 stances. That the rain has great fertilizing power is 

 beyond question. With the vine, it promotes excessive 

 vegetation ; and also, by an excess of humidity at times, 

 with sudden and extreme changes to heat and dryness, 

 causes rot and mildew. The growth of vine is far 

 greater with us than at Los Angeles, where the grape is 

 so stubbed that it supports itself without a stake, and 

 there is no necessity for summer checking. Yet the salu- 

 brity of the Pacific air, and the uniformity of climate, 

 make it a favored spot both for European and American- 

 grapes. While there is force in the views of Mr. Lippin- 

 cott, it is a matter of doubt whether such arbitrary rules 

 can be given in regard to the culture of the grape. A 

 location may be subject to an average rain-fall of fourteen 

 inches during the summer; and yet it may be so high and 

 dry, and the land so porous, that no serious results may 

 follow. Irrigation has been suggested as a method of 

 fertilizing the vineyard ; but it must be evident, from a 

 consideration of the foregoing statistics, that this can 

 never be recommended for the Atlantic States. Doubt- 

 less it might be practised to advantage in California. 

 It is a question of importance, at what season of the 



