20 THE VINE AND CIVILISATION. 
cultivated outside the zone comprised between the 30th and 
50th degrees of north latitude. It is also between these lati- 
tudes where have flourished the civilisations of Japan, of 
China, of Persia, of Chaldea, of Asia Minor, of Greece, of 
Italy, of Spain, and of France. 
‘All will acknowledge that under these latitudes active civil- 
isations have been manifested ; history leaves no doubt of that. 
Under these latitudes, also, no one will deny that the cultiva- 
tion of the vine exists for the purpose of drawing from it a 
customary beverage. 
‘‘ In geographical botany it is an incontestable fact, and of 
the highest interest for the physical history of our planet, in 
that it demonstrates the isothermal temperature of the terres- 
trial zone of the ancient continent comprised between these two 
parallels.’’ ; 
After elucidating the growth of the grape in China and 
Japan in connection with his theory, our professor continues: 
‘‘ If the kingdoms of Tonquin, of Cochin China, of Anam, 
the empires of Burmah and Hindostan, situated below the zone 
of active civilisation, are deprived of wine, we find vineyards 
well cultivated above the 30th degree in the kingdom of Lahore. 
The wine of Cashmere has a great resemblance to the spirited 
Madeira. We are little acquainted with the genius of these 
people, but by the admirable texture of the shawls they fabri- 
cate, which sufficiently corroborates the cause that I have the 
honour of defending, that the only country of India that sends 
us this inimitable product of art is also the only one that uses 
wine as a beverage. 
‘* Persia merits particular mention. Teheran and Ispahan, 
its two principal cities, are situated in Irac Adgemy (the 
Greater Media), a province eminent in vine culture. Per- 
sepolis, founded by Diemschiat, 2,500 years before Jesus Christ, 
