Xll HISTORY OF THE GRAPE VINE. 



high estimation. The generally-received opinion of the 

 manner of its introduction into Europe is, that it made 

 gradual approaches by the way of the Mediterranean 

 Sea, the Phoenicians first carrying it into the islands 

 there, from whence it spread into Italy, Spain, France, 

 and Portugal, and thence north through France, Switzer- 

 land, England, &-c., &c. ; from all these countries we 

 have received, in the United States, our varieties of this 

 species. It lives to a great age, and forms wood capa- 

 ble of being serviceable in the arts. The cultivation of 

 the grape, in its northern extent, is not confined to a 

 certain parallel of latitude. It has been observed in 

 Europe, that, as you go east, the cultivation of this plant 

 extends to the north. Arthur Young says, that, in 

 France, the difference is 2° of heat in the same parallel. 

 In the United States of America, the difference of cli- 

 mate is also found, but operating in a reversed manner. 

 In the same latitude, as we go west, is found a milder 

 climate, particularly after passing the Alleghanies, and, 

 on the Pacific, it is yet more mild. At Fort Yancouver, 

 which is five degrees north of New York, the tempera- 

 ture is so mild that, in winter, the mercury falls but a 

 few times below freezing. 



" Geape Vine. Vitis. 



" The generic name is derived from vincirc, to bind. 

 Every part of the Scriptures mentions the vine as being 

 held in the highest estimation. Noah planted vineyards 

 and made wine. They are mentioned among the bless- 



