PREFACE. 
HERE never was a period when the fcience of gardening 
was fo univerfally and fo ardently cultivated as it is at 
prefentj and of the extenfive field of Horticulture, no part 
affords more agreeable amufement, or yields more folid fatif- 
fa<ftion and advantage, than that refined and elegant b»-anch of 
it, which concerns the forcing of fruits, natives of warmer 
climes; and amongft thefe, though the variety of them be 
fo great, the Vine Hands foremoft and the moH confpicuous. 
Of all the numerous forts of fruits indulgent nature pro- 
duces for the ufe of man, that of the grape muff be effeemed 
her noblefl gift ; for although various others not only afford 
comforts, but many of them even contribute to the luxury of 
the human race, yet none of them tend fo eminently as does 
this fruit, “ to glad the heart.” — Hail then, precious Vine I 
let me modeffly prefume to treat of thy culture, and to fet 
forth thy virtues, a theme worthy of the immortal gods ! O, 
may thy fuperior excellences everlaffingly infpire man with 
duty, and with unfeigned gratitude to the all-bounteous Giver. 
In the mofl early ages the Vine became an object of atten- 
tion and improvement ; for we find it the firfi:- cultivated plant 
on 
