STATURE OF THE VINE. 



183 



since by pruning and dressing the vigour of the 

 stock is distributed and transfused into the 

 branches. 



I have been informed that there are, upon the 

 Barbary coast, Vines now growing of surprising 

 dimensions, some of them having trunks eight or 

 nine feet in circumference. If the age of these 

 could be ascertained, it would, no doubt, be found 

 equally astonishing. We are not informed whether 

 it be any particular kind of Vine that grows to this 

 amazing size, or whether the size ought not to 

 be attributed to the genius of the soil and air of 

 that country. 



We cannot possibly expect such surprising in- 

 stances of antiquity in this country, on account of 

 the unfavourableness of our climate from the 

 northern situation of the island. 



Indeed we learn from history that grapes, as well 

 as most other sorts of fruit, were brought by slow 

 degrees, into the western parts of Europe, and 

 principally from Asia and Egypt.* 



h " In the more remote ages of antiquity, the world was 

 unequally divided. The east was in the immemorial possession 

 of arts and luxury, whilst the west was inhabited by rude and 

 warlike barbarians, who either disdained agriculture, or to 

 whom it was totally unknown. Under the protection of an esta- 

 blished government, the productions of happier climates, and 

 the industry of more civilized nations, were gradually intro- 

 duced into the western countries of Europe, and the natives 

 were encouraged, by an open and profitable commerce, to mul- 

 tiply the former, as well as improve the latter. It would be 



N 4 



