PREFACE. 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
Department of Agriculture, 
Harrisburg, August 11, 1904. 
Among the recollections of my boyhood days there are none that 
afford me more pleasure than those that relate to rambles in the 
woods in search of the old time Fox and Pigeon Grapes that were 
then growing in abundance in the forests of my native county. I 
have always regarded the grape as one of our most delicious fruits, 
and I have never been able to understand w T hy so many farmers make 
no attempt to grow them. I have had no experience in producing 
grapes for market; but among the first things planted on the farm 
upon which I began my career as a farmer nearly 10 years ago were 
a number of grape vines. 
I am not sure that the conditions necessary to make grape grow- 
ing on a large scale a success are found in all sections of the State, 
but I doubt whether any place can be found within our borders 
where a few grapes of excellent quality may not be grown. If, there- 
fore, the Pennsylvania farmer does not wish to add the grape to the 
fruits he grows for market, why should he not cultivate a few of the 
plants in order that during the grape season, at least, a generous 
supply of this delicious fruit may be placed upon his own table. 
The subject of grape culture should not only interest the farmer, 
but the dweller in the village or town who is fortunate enough to be 
the owner of his home, should have a few vines for the pleasure that 
is derived from the care of them as well as the fruit they yield. 
"What adds more to the beauty of a village home than a tastefully 
trimmed and well-kept arbor made by training the vines of the 
grape over a properly shaped trellis? It is in the hope that all 
classes of our people to whom this bulletin may find its way. 
whether they be farmers, artisans or those engaged in professional 
work, may derive some benefit from it. that it is sent forth upon its 
mission. 
N. B. CPJTCHFIELD, 
Secretary of Agriculture. 
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