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tree that is in Lebanon, even unto the hyssop that 
springeth out of the wall,” says, “ The fig-tree putteth 
forth her green figs, and the vines with the tendei 
grapes give a good smell.” 
Of the first introduction of this beautiful and valu¬ 
able tree amongst us, there are no authentic records; 
but it is generally supposed we are indebted for it to 
the Romans, towards the close of the time that they 
held our island in subjection. 
It was certainly cultivated here under the Saxon dy¬ 
nasty, as vineyards are mentioned in the earliest Saxon 
charters. Winchester, and many other places, are sup¬ 
posed to have derived their name from the extensive 
vineries in their immediate neighbourhood. The Vale 
of Gloucester was famous for its vines; and in the days 
of popery every monastery had its vineyard, for the 
foreign monks inherited from their own more genial 
climes a predilection for the juice of the grape. And 
still in some of our southern counties, 
— u The vine her curling tendrils shoots: 
Hangs out her clusters glowing to the south, 
And scarcely wishes for a warmer sky.” 
L 3 
