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is what the Botanists Labrusca from Louis assume, at any rate I am assured by 

 an educated and intelligent wine-grower from Baton Rouge, who knows the Aestivalis 

 Jaeger well, that there, some very similar wild grapes occur. Personally 

 for over a year I am convinced of the above mentioned fact. However since I am 

 not a botanist, I could not presume, without the clearest proofs, to place my 

 opinion against yours or that of the French botanists. Such proofs I flatter 

 myself now to posess in sufficient quantity, to even convince Mr. Millardet and, 

 as soon as I find time, I will write down my views about the Wild- grapes in 

 general and abo u t the Aestivalis in particular, for the V. Arne ricaine. I know 

 very well, that the same observations made by you or Mr. Millardet, would be 

 infinitely more valuable. However, since there seems to be very little possibility 

 that a competent botanist will soon make a thorough search for grape-vines in the 

 Southwest, as I have done, I flatter myself that at least a relative value will be 

 placed on the opinions of an ordinary grape-grower. 



^ ur Cordifolias have the same taste as yours. Our Riparias have a similar 

 one, however a much less unpleasant flavor, which also shows itself clearly in 

 one of Greins' white, even Mo. Riesling , Rupestris and Cinerea are without after- 

 taste. A estivalis partly the same, but partly of more or less strong and very 

 different flavor, which is pretty well described by Mr. Millardet. With some 

 imagination one can find also a Muscatel and Fox flavor, which so often happens. 

 It probably is a fact that the Aestivalis Jaeger , which probably too soon were 

 given to the public by Mr. Fr. Münch, were praised above what they deserved. We 

 well know the youthful enthusiasm, of which this dear man was fortunate to have 

 enough to last him into old age. Herewith enclosed seeds will no doubt be 

 welcome to you. 



What do you think of the assertion by Mr. Mill (which he promises to verify 

 later on) that the so-called southern Aestivalis are hybrids of Cinerea and 

 Aestivalis and occasionally Vini fera ? At any rate the gentleman is in error 

 when he asserts that similar grapes occur here wild (in the center of the Union). 



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