LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 
State College, August 1, 1904. 
Hon. N. B. Critchfield, Secretary of Agriculture: 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report upon the pre- 
vailing practices in the best grape growing districts of Pennsylva- 
nia and neighboring states, where the varieties of American grapes 
are grown upon a commercial scale. There are many localities in 
Pennsylvania where excellent grapes could be grown, and in most 
cases grape culture is not engaged in because of a want of experi- 
ence or knowledge of the requirements of the vine. The develop- 
ment of a grape district commonly originates with the pioneer ex- 
perience of an intelligent farmer v\ho wins success in his new enter- 
prise, and is followed by others in his locality, who see how simple 
is the management of a vineyard, and how profitable is the culture 
of the grape. The systems of training and priming should not con- 
found the beginner, for a little close observaton of the nature and 
habits of the vine and an understanding of the principles of pruning 
will direct any good farmer to adopt a practice that will yield good 
results, even if he does not follow any established system. 
It is the hope of the writer that this bulletin will serve to direct 
3'oung grape growers in combating the diseases and insect enemies 
of the vineyard, and also induce many citizens of Pennsylvania to 
plant grapes either upon a commercial scale, or for a liberal home 
supply. There is no fruit that is more wholesome or that gives more 
satisfaction than the grape. 
Very respectfully, 
GEO. C. BUTZ. 
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