PREFACE. 



ix 



this subject, was derived from the practice of a 

 much colder climate ; and though firmly persuaded 

 that, in spite of any obstacles which might arise, 

 the cultivation of vineyards would be eventually 

 established as an important branch of the agri- 

 culture of the colony — yet he conceived that a 

 knowledge of the practice, pursued in more 

 analogous climates, might do much to hasten this 

 period, by the greater confidence it would inspire, 

 and by the caution it would afford against errors 

 that might otherwise require a lengthened and 

 expensive experience to correct. 



There was, however, one important product of 

 the vine upon which the colony possessed little 

 or no information ; and upon which, although it 

 formed the principal object of his expedition, the 



that he had opened one of the bottles given him, when he had 

 a party to dinner. Among- the company were two of his own 

 countrymen. " You know," he observed, " that my country- 

 men always drink very light wine ; they therefore found it 

 strong-, and thought it resembled port without brandy. I said, 

 I found it more like Burgundy, and they agreed with me that 

 it was so." The Oporto wine merchant observed that the wine 

 was sound, but that it would very soon turn sour if not forti- 

 fied with brandy. The writer has this day (25th October, 

 1832) opened a" bottle which he brought back with him to 

 Sydney, and has found it perfectly sound ; and, in his opinion, 

 a well flavoured and strong-bodied wine. 



