CHAPTER II. 



OF THE SOILS AND EXPOSURES SUITABLE TO THE GRAPE 



When we cast a glance at the extreme indigence of the great pro- 

 portion of the labouring class of the vineyards, we are at first induced to 

 blame the Vine as an unprofitable concern ; but on looking a little 

 more narrowly to the causes of this want and indigence, we discover 

 the true reasons. In the first place a heavy impost is levied on the 

 Vine and also on its liquor ; and so arbitrarily laid, that the least pro- 

 ductive Vines pay often as much, and even more, than the best ; while 

 the quality of the wine which gives it its value, does not enter into 

 the stipulations of the tax. The other causes are, erroneous modes 

 of cultivation ; such as not taking into calculation the nature of the 

 soil, tlie proper exposure, nor the outlays of labour and expense first 

 requisite ; or not choosing the stock with judgement ; or neglecting 

 the tillage, pruning, training or other operations necessary for the 

 perfection of the crop. 



High imposts discourage the landed proprietor ; however, the remedy 

 is easily at hand, in the lessening of these burthens ; but wrong sys- 

 tems, or negligent processes of cultivation are equally an injury to 

 the state and to individuals ; and both cases duly remedied, this cul- 

 ture would be the richest of any. If only proper agricultural cares 

 are resorted to, the returns are ample ones ; as every acre, judiciously 

 set out, tilled and trained, will yield a nett profit of from 5 to 600 

 francs (from one to one hundred and twenty dollars.) 



The first point to be considered, alter the climate is ascertained 

 to be suitable, is a knowledge of the soil ; all climates are not favour 

 able to the crop ; the Vine, in the North, spends itself in a vigorous 

 vegetation, but the grape will not ripen sufficiently ; in the South it 

 has to encounter a long-continued withering heat ; and the (qualities of 

 the fruit essentially degenerate when the plant is watered. The 

 climate therefore should be one of a temperate character ; the Vine 

 does not prosper except between the 35th and 51st degrees of lati- 

 tude, Schiraz,. a large and populous city of Persia, situated at the 



