INTRODUCTION. 



The object of these pages is to furnish to such as 

 have no opportunity to learn the Vintners' business 

 practically, easily comprehended and reliable instruc- 

 tions, so that even the most inexperienced may, with 

 this book in his hand, start, plant, perfect and culti- 

 vate a vineyard, and make good, wholesome wine. 

 The writer is himself a practical vintner, owns vine- 

 yards, has worked and does work in them. He gives 

 to the reader the knowledge derived from reading, 

 and also through a somewhat extended intercourse 

 with vintners from various countries, as well as his 

 own actual observation in various parts of the United 

 States and Europe. 



His object is not to make money. He has long felt 

 that the United States need, as an important element 

 of its horticultural economy, the domestication of the 

 grape, and that, in the progress of time, the use of 

 wine as food must necessarily be a part of the social 

 enjoyments of our people. 



He is often asked in private conversation, especially 

 whUe travelling, various questions about vineyards. 



