42 



Great consideration therefore should be given to the nature ot' the 

 species selected, as the quality of the wine depends upon it. Propi- 

 tious situations and fertile soils are wasted upon poor varieties ; the 

 must that is hard and carb ance never be turned mto good wine. 

 The best grape is that which contains the most pulpy matter ; and 

 wii^es of price are unitonnly from such grapes. 



To make a sure, correct, and safe selection, it is necessary to exa- 

 mine well one's own vineyard and those of the neighbouring districtt^, 

 a week before the harvest. From these the slips should be selected, 

 as the plant best naturalized is the most thrifty, and most certain to 

 yield perfect fruit. It is not so advantageous as some are fain to say 

 and to believe, that the scions should be taken from the vineyards of 

 the South ; the growth of them there is more rank than in more 

 northerly cUmates ; and when transplanted to a situi^tion not analogous 

 in temperature and rapid evolution ot earthy gaseous compounds, 

 although the)'^ may seem to prosper awhile, they soon dwindle and fail. 



The custom is, to mix the red and the white grape. Three fourths 

 of the Vineyard should consist of the former. It contains the mosi 

 colouring matter, and is less susceptible of the vinous fermentation ; 

 by prolonging which operation, and delaying the insensible spirituous 

 fermentation, which the red grape does effect, the acid fermentation 

 is put off. The white grai>e refines the wine, unparting to it flavours 

 that are racy and delicate. 



Several months before planting it is advisable to have the ground 

 dug to the depth of 1 or 2 feet. This prehminary operation is too 

 often neglected, but has a sensible effect on the prosperity of the 

 Vineyard. The second point to which attention is solicited, is, not 

 to place a new Vine in the spot from which an old one has been 

 iust removed. The earth must be allowed time to resume its vigour : 

 when this is neglected, the new Vine sprouts feebly, and soon lan- 

 guishes. 



The setting out should be done in the fall, by which a year is 

 gained, — it may be said two. Of a certain number of Vine slips, let 

 half be planted in the fall, and half in the following spring, in the 

 same soil and beside each other ; at the end of the fifth year the 

 former will have borne fruit for the third time, while the latter, at 

 the same period, have barely proved their species. Besides, it is an 

 established fact, that trees planted in the latter part of the year usually 

 succeed, while those set out in spring, send forth but weakly shoots, 

 and few survive. But in all things, climate must be consulted; in 

 the South, the setting out should be done at the fall of the leaf, be- 

 cause the roots during winter grow and spread, and stretch to great 



