Vlll PREFACE. 



Many improvements in grape culture, and in wine-making, have 

 been made since Mr. DUFOUR'S day even since the publication of 

 Mr. SCHUMAN'S pamphlet, in 1845, only five years ago, practical 

 cultivators have, in some particulars, adopted other modes than 

 those then recommended ; and it is confidently expected, that within 

 the next five years, still greater improvements will be discovered. 

 The business is yet in its infancy, and will require long and careful 

 nursing to enable it to reach maturity. 



With our present flattering prospects of success in this branch of 

 home industry, it would be improper to close these prefatory remarks 

 without a passing tribute to the merits of the worthy pioneers in the 

 enterprise the Swiss settlers of Vevay, and the German vine- 

 dressers of our own county who, under all the disadvantages of a 

 climate, soil, and vines unknown to them persevered in their efforts 

 with patient industry, until the present favorable results have been 

 produced. But to Mr. LONGWORTH, more than to any other man in 

 the West, we are most indebted for our knowledge in grape culture. 

 Mr. LONGWORTH has, within the last twenty-seven years, with 

 unwearied zeal and a liberal expenditure of money, in numerous 

 experiments with foreign and native grapes, succeeded in enabling 

 himself and others, to present to the public, a" Sparkling Catawba," 

 rivaling the best French Champagne, and a dry wine from the same 

 grape, that compares favorably with the celebrated Hock wine of the 

 Rhine. 



Several varieties of wine have been produced from other grapes 

 than the Catawba, but with the exception of that made from the 

 Cape which is a red wine resembling Claret it will require time 

 to ascertain their value. 



From the Isabella, Ohio, Missouri, Norton's Seedling, Minor's 

 Seedling, Lenoir, and Herbemont's Madeira, wines have been made 

 of more or less nromise samples of which may be found at the 

 cellars of Mr. LONGWORTH, and some others. 



The views here given are those of many of our most intelligent 

 vine-dressers. A difference of opinion may exist with others on 

 some points, which time and experience alone can reconcile. 



R. BUCHANAN. 

 Cincinnati, Feb. 18th, 1850. 



