242 THE VINEYARD. [March. 
4th. The Vitis serotina, or winter-grape, by some called the 
Bermudian grape. 
There are several varieties produced by the intermixtures of the 
above with one another, or with the varieties of the Vitis vinifera, 
which are called hybrids or mules; the most noted are, 1. Alex- 
ander's or Tasker's grape; 2. Bland's grape; 3. That called the 
racoon grape. From either of these hybrids, it is probable that 
good wine may be produced; but I shall leiave that to the expe- 
rience of those who have made, or wish to make the experiment. At 
the same time, I would suggest the idea of grafting some of the best 
European kinds on our most vigorous native vines, which, no 
doubt, would answer a very good purpose. 
Soil and Situation. 
The first and most important thing to be considered in planting 
a vineyard, is the choice of soil and situation; for on these depend 
much of the ultimate success. That best adapted for a vineyard, 
is a light, rich, deep loam; on a chalky, limestone, flinty, or gra- 
velly bottom; it should be naturally from one to two feet deep, of 
good mellow earth, or made so by art: a deeper soil is unnecessary 
for any tree or shrub whatever, that is not cultivated on account of 
its roots; and although vines may shoot more vigorously in such, 
and produce a greater quantity of fruit, which, by the bye, is very 
questionable, yet they ripen later, and their juice is more crude 
than that of those which draw their nourishment from earth within 
the influence of the sun, air, rains, dews, &c. 
The situation should be on an elevation inclining to the south, 
south-east, or south-west; and if having all these exposures, the 
better, as the various kinds could have different situations according 
to their natures and necessities. The ground should have a gra- 
dual descent, that the moisture may be drained off"; but if too rapid, 
it will be more difficult to labour, as the plough cannot then be used; 
and besides, it will be less retentive of manure, and consequently 
will require a greater quantity, and more frequently administered. 
If at a distance there are large hills, or elevated woods, to defend it 
from the north and north-westerly winds, the better. 
The immediate neighbourhood should be open; and, if hilly, 
towards the north and north-west, the better: it should be free 
from swamps, or widely extended woods; for, under such circum- 
stances, the air would frequently be replete with too great a quan- 
tity of moisture, occasioned by the perspiration of the trees, and 
the exhalations from the adjoining swamps, whereby both vines and 
fruit would be greatly subjected to what is called the mildew. It 
has been observed in the middle states, particularly by Mr. Peter 
Legaux, of Spring-Mill, near Philadelphia, that the more easterly 
the exposure, the more are the vines and fruit liable to become 
mildewed; and that, in a south-west exposure, they are less sub- 
ject to it than in any other. 
Those who wish to cultivate grapes for the table only, and that 
have not the advantage of the kind of soil above described, need not 
