544 [Assembly 



Catawlba grapes do well from here to the Gulf of Mexico. We have 

 one hundred and forty grapes, among them the Beaver Dam, Bland, 

 Norton's seedling, &c., and by proper culture, many of these may be 

 rendered good. The Scuppernong will not do here; the Isabella 

 and Catawba grape have already found their way to Europe, and are 

 there highly approved. Germans and others admire these grapes 

 here. The Isabella can be raised in every climate where Indian corn 

 can. It demands proper cultivation. The crop of grapes is more 

 certain than that of any other fruit. The vineyard should be prepa- 

 red by deep ploughing and thorough work. As to the whole process 

 of planting a vineyard, I will, with pleasure, inform any one who 

 will apply to me before the first of May, at my house. No. 326 

 Broadway. 



Mr. D'J. Brown. — Does not Mr. Longworth, of Cincinnati, plant 

 his vineyards with cuttings? Is it not done in Pennsylvania? 



Dr. Underbill. — That plan will succeed in damp soils; but the 

 grapes to be good, must be grown on dry soils. An experienced 

 German tells us that our grapes have more saccharine in them than 

 the generality of German grapes. The plan of watering grape vine- 

 yards made by planting slips, is too troublesome, and will not suc- 

 ceed. 



Mr. Manice — Will watering answer? 



Dr. Underbill — Perhaps so, if they are watered to a great degree. 

 Germans here have tried watering them, and failed of success; the 

 heat in summer is too great. The ground of the vineyard should be 

 ploughed deep, so as to turn the rich surface soil to the bottom, for 

 the benefit of the roots of the vines. In Germany they sometimes 

 sell their wine for three shillings a gallon, and yet take great pains 

 in planting their vineyards. My great object in the culture of the 

 grape is, to produce the fruit for table use; that is more profitable 

 than the wine at one dollar a gallon. 



Mr. Fleet, of Long Island. — Does deep ploughing between the 

 vines, injure them; would subsoil ing do so? 



Dr. Underbill. — It would hurt the roots. 



Mr. Fleet. — We do so on Long Island. 



A Member. — What is the northern limit for the grape vine in 

 America? 



