PREFACE. 



There never was a period when the science of 

 gardening was so universally and so ardently 

 cultivated as it is at present ; and of the extensive 

 field of Horticulture, no part affords more agree- 

 able amusement, or yields more solid satisfaction 

 and advantage, than that refined and elegant 

 branch of it, which concerns the forcing of fruits, 

 natives of warmer climes; and amongst these, 

 though the variety of them be so great, the Vine 

 stands foremost, and the most conspicuous. 



Of all the numerous sorts of fruits indulgent 

 nature produces for the use of man, that of the 

 grape must be esteemed her noblest gift ; for 

 although various others not only afford comforts,* 

 but many of them even contribute to the luxury of 

 the human race, yet none of them tend so eminently 

 as does this fruit, to exhilarate the spirits and glad 

 the heart of man. 



In the most early ages the vine became an 

 object of attention and improvement -> for we find 

 it the first cultivated plant on record in Holy Writ, 



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