262 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



■which all the most celebrated wines of the Rhein^au are made, is not used 

 in the cure, and is not considered by the Germans as a good table grape. 

 Chemical analysis shows tliat it contains more saccharine matter than 

 either the Gutedel or the Austrian grape ; but, at the same time, its acid 

 properties are stronger. The Burgundy grape is still sweeter than the 

 Eiessling, but its acid qualities, though less than those in the Ricssling, 

 are greater than those in the Gutedel or the Austrian, and therefore it is 

 not so much used in the cure as they are. The acids which are found in 

 the juice of all grapes, in greater or less proportions, are tartaric, citric, 

 and malic acids. Much albumen, gelatine, and gum, as well as a con- 

 siderable quantity of alkaline matter, are always found. Careful analysis 

 has also discovered in all grape juice traces of tannin, and even oxide of 

 iron. An excess of acids in the grape is found not only to interfere with 

 the digestion, but to affect the mouth and teeth in such a way as to pre- 

 vent a person from being able to continue the cure for the requisite period. 

 " The grape cure lasts from three to six weeks. The regular season com- 

 mences, on an average, about the middle of the first week in Septem- 

 ber, and lasts to nearly the end of October. Everything depends on the 

 state of the ripeness of the grapes. The amount of grapes daily taken by 

 persons undergoing the cure varies from about four and a half to seven or 

 eight pounds ; in some cases even as much as nine pounds is eaten. They 

 are taken three times a day, at the same hours at wliich mineral water are 

 drunk in Germany ; before breakfast, at 11 o'clock in the morning, or two 

 hours before dinner, and from 5 to 6 in the evening. Persons generally 

 commence the cure with from two to three pounds a day, and advance 

 daily qiiantity till the large limit is reached. The skins and seeds should 

 not be swallowed. The largest portion is usually consumed at 11 o'clock. 

 Some doctors do not allow their patients to take any other breakfast than 

 the grapes, accompanied by a roll of bread. The usual plan, however, is 

 to permit them to take a breakfast of tea or coffee with bread, but no but- 

 ter, after the grapes. A strict diet is universally prescribed ; all fat, sour, 

 or spiced meats and pastry, are forbidden ; a small quantity of white 

 light wines is permitted, but red wines, beer and milk, must be avoided. 

 The evening meal should be a very light one. The system pursued at 

 Durkheim is the same as one followed at the other places where the grape 

 cure goes on ; and the grapes which are used in the cure both at Vevay 

 and Moutreux are, as at Durkheim, for the most part the Gutedel and the 

 Austrian varieties." 



Several members expressed opinions upon this statement — that it would 

 tend to promote grape culture in this country as a sanitary measure. 

 Those who are opposed to growing grapes for wine can grow them for 

 health, to be used instead of drugs for the afflicted. 



Rhubarb Wine. 



Mr. James Seely writes from Caroline, Tompkins county, as follows : "la 

 it not a fact that rhubarb wine, so far as profit is concerned, is established? 

 If this wine possesses comparatively no intrinsic merit, and yet from its 

 cheapness and comparatively healthful nature, supplies a common want 

 without practically interfering with grape-wine manufacture, should it not 



