THE VINE AND CIVILISATION, 
THE GRAPE-VINE. 
Vitis. (ZLinn.) The Grape-Vine of the botanical order 
Vitacew. The Latins derived the name from the Celtic. There 
are proofs that the Vine existed, in prehistoric ages, both in 
Europe and Asia. It grows spontaneously in Caboul, Cash- 
mere, in Southern Europe, in Arminia, and south of the 
Caucasus and of the Caspian Sea. On the continent of North 
America numerous species are found growing in a wild state, 
as described by Michaux, Raflinesque, and Asa Gray. 
Vitis vinifera. (Zinn.) The Wine Grape, which follows 
the steps of civilized man, is rarely found in a wild state in 
Europe, and never in America. 
Of the vine, its fruit, and the wine made from it, the writer 
_ proposes to give a brief history, drawn from various authori- 
ties. 
The vine is universally known for its fruit, and for producing 
the first liquor of the world; a liquor, notwithstanding all that 
is said of its dangerous qualities, that is yet eagerly drank 
by all who can procure it, and preferred before all others by 
those who are unlimited in their means and choice. The Grape 
is, among fruits, what wheat is among cereals, or the potato 
among farinaceous roots; and like them, in every country 
where it will grow, is cultivated with pre-eminent care. 
