March.] THE VINEYARD. 243 
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 leave that to the experi- 
ence 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 plant- 
ing a Vineyard, is the choice of soil and situation; for on these, de- 
pend much of the ultimate success. That, best adapted for a 
Vineyard, is a light, rich, deep loam; on a chalky, limestone, flinty, 
or gravelly 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 
despair of having good fruit for that purpose, as vines will grow 
and bear well in any dry and tolerably rich ground; that is, neither 
sandy nor light to excess, nor too clayey or binding; for a tolerable 
stiff loam will do well enough, with the assistance of good cul- 
ture. 
