1867.] 
y AMERICAN "AGRICULTURIST. 
35 
THE NEW YORK LEDGER FOR 1867. 
A Story by Henry Ward Beecher. 
IT HAS BEEN OUR CUSTOM, AS OUR READ- 
ERS are aware, to engage, as contributors to the New 
York Ledger, some of the most distinguished persons in the 
literary world, not only in this country, but also in Europe. 
As a proof of this we have only to refer to Edward Everett, 
Charles Dickens, George Bancroft, Henry "Ward 
Beecher, and others, who, as it is well known, have been wri- 
ters for the Ledger. A feature of the coming year will be a sto- 
ry by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, written expressly for 
the Ledger, which will extend through several months. In 
addition to this new feature, we shall continue to give tlio 
usual quantity of matter from our old and unrivalled corps 
of contributors. 
The Ledger, however, as we stated on a former occasion, is 
its own best advertisement and prospectus. The mere fact 
that we are printing over one hundred thousand copies more 
than anv other weekly or any daily paper in the country, is 
pretty good evidence that the New York Ledger is a popular 
paper. Its great success, as we have repeatedly announced, 
is owing to the fact that we spare no expense in getting up 
the best PAjriLY paper— a paper of high moral tone. The 
exalted reputation of its contributors, the practical and in- 
variably pure and healthy character of all its articles, the 
care which is taken that not even one offensive word shall 
appear in its columns, and the superiority of its Tales and 
Sketches, hare gained for the New York Ledger a position 
that no literary paper has ever before reached. 
— SIRS. SOUTHWOETH, MR. COBB, MlSS DlTPTTY, FANNY 
Fern, John G. Saxe, and a host of other popular writers, 
are exclusively engaged in writing for-the New York Ledger. 
They each stand high, and have their admirers in their own 
peculiar line, and that is the reason why we monopolize 
their services. We make the best paper by employing the 
best talent. 
— "We arc certain that our readers will be glad to learn 
that Mr. Parton will continue to contribute to the New 
York Ledger, during the coining year, his admirable bio- 
graphical sketches. Thev are both entertaining and in- 
structive. 
— Fanny Fern, who has been with us from the start, will 
continue to write for the New York Ledger during the com- 
ing year. She writes for no other paper. 
— John G. Saxe, the most popular poet In the country, 
writes only for the New York Ledger. 
The following are some of the opinions of the preas : 
[From the New York Daiiy Times.] 
A Novel by Henry Ward Beecher. 
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher is announced in still a new 
capacity. He has engaged to write a novel for the New 
York Ledger, and In a note to Mr. Bonner informs him that 
he "hopes to put enough manuscript in his hands to enable 
him to begin the story early in 1SG7." Next to the exhaust- 
less vigor and restless industry which distinguish Mr. 
Beeches, his resolute readiness to undertake any line of 
business, however remote apparently from his ordinary line 
of labor, is the most remarkable. The more he has to do, 
the more readily does he seem to undertake new tasks. This 
last adventure will be watched for with interest. The great 
success of his sister, Mrs. Stowe, in that department of/liter- 
ature, will invite and provoke the severest criticism ; and if 
he aim at literary rivalry, either with her or the many other 
novelists whose works now engage public attention/he has 
certainly entered upon a task of danger and difficult}*. Mr. 
Beecher, however, is not apt to undertake anything which 
he cannot do well. His resources are abundant, and his in- 
tellectual vigor is fully equal to his courage. We are not 
aware of the subject or character of his promised story. 
Mr. Bonner, in securing this new and unique contribution 
to his columns, is continuing the original and brilliantly 
successful career which he commenced some years ago. 
[From the " Prince Georgian," of Marlborough, Md.] 
The New York Ledger.— The numerous readers of this 
popular journal will be gratified to learn that Mr. Bonner 
its energetic editor, has engaged the Rev. Henry Ward 
Beecher to write a story for his paper. By the last issue of 
the Ledger, we learn the whole arrangement has been per- 
fected, and that the publication of "the tale will he com- 
menced early in the New Year, and extend through several 
months. The fame of Mr .Beecher, both as an orator and pub- 
lic writer, is too widespread to need further mention from 
us, but we trust that the energy of Mr. Bonner, who, since 
the commencement of his journal, has catered so success- 
fully to the public taste, will, in this instance, as heretofore, 
bring-him a rich and deserved reward. 
[From the Fincastle (Va.) Herald.] 
Ret. Henry Ward Beecher is writing a story for the 
New York Ledger, which will commence"about the 1st of 
January next. A story from this eminent and gifted divine, 
unconnected with polities, as doubtless it will be, we think 
will prove very interesting to the reader. We advise all per- 
sons who wish to obtain a splendid literary paper, to sub- 
scribe for the Ledger, as there is no paper in the United 
States that can boast of as good authors as it can. 
[From the Mining and Manufacturing*Journal.] 
New York Ledger.— This enterprising literary paper al- 
ways foremost in securing something valuable for its wide 
circle of readers, has engaged Henry Ward Beecher to 
write a story for it, which will continue during the several 
months oi next year, beginning in January. 
[From the Philadelphia Ledger.] 
Mr. Bonner, the editor and proprietor of the New York 
Ledger, who Is ever alive to keep his paper ahead of all coin- 
petition, has just made an arrangement— tin- engagement of 
Henry Ward Bekciiee to write a story for his paper— 
Which must add to his already enormous circulation. 
[From the Hudson County (N. J.) Democrat.] 
Why should not the Rev. Mr. Beecher write a story' In 
the best of books we are taught by parables and allegory: 
and Mr. Beecher lias Imagination, and wit, and Judgment, 
with a brilliant, attractive style of composition, which give 
promise ol eminent success. 
LFrom the Hartford Dally Post.] 
Mr. Beech Eit'-s story will unquestionably bo looked for 
with groal Interest. The circulation of the Ledger is now 
larger by one hundred thousand copies than that of any 
daily or ivcekly paper in this country. 
I From the Essex (Mass.) Banner. 1 
The New York Ledger, which Is universally conceded to 
be the best story pa per in this country, is constant ly produc- 
ing new attractions. The "best productions of the best 
authors" is what Hie Ledger always has. 
[From the Portsmouth (N. H.) Morning Chronicle.] 
The JTCW Ynrk Ledger always has something nice for its 
readers, and Mr. Bonner has proved that be cannot and 
win not be beat as. a caterer for the public taste. 
[From the Sandusky (.Ohio) Union.] 
The New York Ledger, which, as a literary journal, is, 
without question, ahead of all others will he still more at- 
tractive for 1867. 
Ol'R TERMS FOR 1867— IVOW IS TIIRTI3IK 
TO SUBSCRIBE. 
Single copies, $3 per annum; four copies. $10, which is 
$2 r>0 a copy ; eight copies, $20, "" - party who sends us $20 
for a club of eight copies, (all sent at one time,) will be en- 
titled to a copy free. Postmasters and others who get up 
clubs, in their respective towns, can afterwards add single 
copies at $2 50. No subscriptions taken for a less period 
than one year. Canada subscribers must send twenty cents 
in addition to the subscription, to pay the American postage. 
When a draft or money-order can conveniently be sent. It 
will be preferred, as it will prevent the possibility of the loss 
of money by mail. The postage on the Ledger to all parts 
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quarter, payable at the office where the paper is delivered. 
5^* Wc employ no travelling agents. Address all com- 
munications to ROBERT BONNER, Publisher, 
No. 90 Beekman street, New York. 
a 
IONA AIVD ISRAEL,L,A 
[Continued from next page (36), which see.'] 
> And the wine from the Delaware, although most excellent 
of its class (resembling the alcoholic Sherry), was too rich 
and "heady," or intoxicating for general use. It could not 
supply the want that is felt for the finest German Wines, 
which are more healthful and restorative, but less stimula- 
ting, and though greatly coveted, are but rarely obtained in 
this country. Their use is greatly restricted by their exceed- 
ing costliness. 
The following from Mr. Mottier, will be conclusive for 
wine making to those who know his cautious manner of form- 
ing and expressing opinions, and his ability to judge. 
Dr. C W Grant,— 
Bear Sir : I have to express to you my very great satis- 
faction at the trial of the Iona Wine, and also of the juice. 
The Wine of 1S6-1 was far better than any American produc- 
tion that I ever tasted, of that age, and I think equals the 
very finest Hocks of Germany. That of this fall that has 
just finished Its fermentation, I think, promises at least 
equally well. I never doubted the great excellence of the 
Iona for Wine— its fruit plainly indicates that ; as it appears 
to me now.it is of the very highest promise, and I shall 
plant very largely of it. 
Signed, (Yours, respectfully, 
JOHN E. MOTTIER.)* 
The must (juice) of the IONA has registered by the scale 
from 83 to 130 degrees, where that of Catawba could scarcely 
rise above 70, and the wine at two years old, is able to 
bare comparison in pure refinement and all good quali- 
ties, with the most excellent of Europe, at that age. 
While this can be said of no other American Wine, ex- 
cept that of the Delaware, there is a general concurrence 
among good Judges in awarding great superiority to the 
IONA over that. In purity and richness, it equals the Del- 
aware, and greatly excels it in sustaining and restorative 
power, without the strong disposition to intoxication, from 
which the Delaware is not exempt. It has been well char- 
acterized as "generous and animating, smooth, rich, re- 
fined and pure, leaving the mouth cool and the head clear, 
In no degree heavy or oppressive, with delightful bouquet, 
and not a trace of native foxiness." 
Its juice never requires sugar or any admixture to prevent 
acidification, and the wine is most simply made, requiring 
only that its juice should be pressed and set to ferment in 
an open vessel, either in a warm upper room or cellar. It 
is so fixed and enduring in its character that it does not re- 
quire a cellar to keep it from acetous fermentation, and a 
little of its rich juice added to that of Catawba, prevents 
the disposition of that to form vinegar, and adds greatly to 
its refinement and richness. 
An all important characteristic that belongs to the IONA, 
it may be said alone, of all our native kinds, is its habit 
of ripening thoroughly and itniformly, quite to the center, 
and as soon at the center as at any other portion. To say 
that this characteristic added to the Catawba, would ten- 
fold its value for wine, and change Its character entirely 
for the table, Is saying less than the fair plain truth. The 
Catawba, merely for the want of this one of the peculiar 
characteristics of the IONA, must become of little value 
as soon as enough vines of the IONA can be planted to 
supply its place. 
But the IONA has other exclusive characteristics of ex- 
ceeding importance. Its skin is pleasantly spicy and good 
to cat, in place of the acrid foxiness of the Catawba. Its 
juice is perfectly pure, smooth to the tongue, in place of 
the harsh impurity of the Catawba, (our other natives being 
greatly more harsh and impure,) at the same time greatly 
exceeding It in richness. It ripens three weeks earlier, and 
is exempt from rot, where the Catawba is rendered worthless 
by it. I leave all that are inferior to the Catawba out of the 
comparison. 
The planting of vines In vineyards as well as in gardens, 
is now being so extensively done, that we are called upon lo 
look attentively ami Intelligently at the conditions of profit 
and success in the undertaking. 
It is only in the production of good articles of any kind 
that it is safe to put trust for permanent profit, and espec, 
lallyif the good are greatly better than the Inferior, and 
cost no more. 
The best varieties of grapes which we designate as Ett« 
ropcan (but originated in Asia), differ greatly from our ordi- 
nary American kinds in their quality, and In the construc- 
tion or physical character of the fruit. In order to got a 
true notion of the Grape as the best of fruits, which it truly 
Is In its best kinds. In perfect condition, it will be necessary 
to note the prominent points of these somewhat critically 
that we may bring them in our minds into Just comparison 
with our own kinds. This will enable us rightly to estimate 
the value and importance of some of our new varieties 
*(3fr. Mottier has already taken Six Thousand vines of 
IOXA this Fall, and experts to take more in the Spring.) 
(when we know also the habit and character of the vines), 
both for fruit and for wine. 
The skins of the foreign kinds generally grow inseparably 
fast to the flesh, but are good to eat, and the fesh or sub- 
stance of the berries ripens uniformly from the circumfer- 
ence to the center, and the entire substance is equally rich 
and good. This fruit is eaten, and all the substance delib- 
erately enjoyed in the mouth, instead of being swallowed 
chiefly whole," and in the rich spirited kinds, it is literally 
eating wine. All persons who have had knowledge of these, 
have most earnestly desired their cultivation in this country, 
for their pure, rich, animating spirit, and for their ex- 
quisite refinement of flavor. 
But these can be grown only in expensive glass bouses in 
this country. 
In contrast to these, the skins of American grapes let the 
fruit slip out from them when bnrstby pressure, like a bullet 
from a gun. The skins are too unpleasant for eating, being 
sharp and acrid to the lips, with the offensive odor of the 
excreta of the Fox. There is always a tough, unripe acid 
portion in which the seeds are imbedded, that must be 
swallowed whole like coated pills. The only portion which 
ripens is that between the skin and bullet center, and even 
this portion, as in the Catawba and Isabella, is ncither 
refined or rich in flavor, when compared with Fontignan or 
Muscat of Alexandria, which are equally good from cir- 
cumference to the center. 
To say that a grape is a3 good as Muscat of Alexandria, 
is to give it the highest possible commendation, and this is 
certified of the IONA. Both are raisin grapes. 
It is equally important that grapes for making good wine 
should be pure and refined in flavor, without any foxiness 
or unripeness at the center, and indispensable that they 
should be high flavored and spirited. 
The stories of high prices for wine from Concord and 
kindred kinds, are doubtless true to the letter, but tend lo 
propagate notions of great and disastrous untruth. 
{These may seem to be minute detail*, but they shoio the 
only foundation upon which Grape Culture can permanent- 
ly stand. Continued next month. For Pamphlet in which 
the subject is treated at length, send stamp.} 
A Grape Book for the 31 ifilion. 
The Subscriber has been induced to undertake the prepar- 
ation of a Book on the Cultivation of Grapes, with the aim 
to make the subject more simple and easily intelligible than 
has heretofore been done, by removing from it all extra 
ne»us mattersi and giving only the plain essentials of full 
success. This is to invite communications on the subject, 
stating important facts that may have transpired in indi- 
vidual experience, concerning any variety worth noting, 
aud especially in relation to the new varieties, and from dis- 
tricts where the cultivation is Ipss known. 
R. G. PARDEE, New-York. 
No. 213 West S4th-st. 
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