GRAPE-VINE.-VITIS. 



In Botany, a Genus of the Pentandria Mo- 

 nogynia Class. Natural Order, Hederacea. 



THE generic name is derived from vincire, 

 to bind. 



The cultivation of the vine appears to 

 have attracted the attention of man from the 

 earliest times of which we have any account. 

 Every part of the Scripture, from the Flood 

 to the crucifixion of our Saviour, mentions 

 the vine as being held in the highest esti- 

 mation. The book of Genesis informs us, 

 that " Noah planted vineyards, and made 

 wine/' It is mentioned among the blessings 

 of the promised land, " a land of wheat, and 

 barley, and vines," &c. 



The answer of the vine to the trees in 

 Jotham's parable, shows in what high esteem 

 men held this fruit : 



" And the vine said unto them, Should I 



