Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-11-12

We have received, says the Journal of
Commerce, the following statement from
one Of the most eminent vine growers of
the Ohio valley. His remarks with refer
ence to the vintage of this year, and espe
cially the adaptedness of our Southern
States to grape-growiDg will be read with
interest: $3.50 gs~sts-ssa.sA
The grape crop in the Ohio valley this year,
was very small one-probably not nIore than
an average of so to 100 gallons to the acre.
The severe winter injured many of the vine
yards seriously. Some OF the vines were killed
down 10 the ground, and about half the buds
were destroyed. Tie s'rot" or midew, also
injured some of the vineyards very much
But bad season with the grape, like other
fruits, must be expected to occur occasionally.
Our experience thus far has proved that the
grape is abont as reliable crop as the apple,
and perhaps more so.
A far average crop for series Of years is
found to be 250 10 800 gallons to the acre, in
well cultivated vineyards in the Ohio valley.
The cost of producing this crop will not ex-
coed $50 to $50 per acre, and less, with proper
! economy. We plant the vines usually 3 by
| 2,420 vines. Warm hin sides, or the tops OF
bills are generally selected for vineyards. Any
undnlating land is preferable to level, as it az
| fords better drainage. The grape wants po.
ioIs so ], with good under drainage. tena-
cious, wet subsoil, or blue clay, or hard pan,
| will cause mildew and rot, after the 4th or 9th
| year, and should be avoided.
This cultivation is largely on the increase all
over the West and Southwest, wherever the
conditions are supposed to be favorable; and
the consumption Of the wine is fully equal to
the production. 49, ...-r
Thirteen years ago, when the writer com
nenced planting, the price of wine was lower
| than it is now. It was also inferior in quality
to that made since, and but little known
| Now the character of our native wines is well
established, and those who have acquired a
| taste for them wii nSe no others. Their cheap
ness and their purity, have helped TO introduce
! them into general use in some sections of the
country, aud the failure of the grape crops in
| Europe, will add to the demand for them
! Viewed in every sspect--mOral and eCOnOmi
cal-Onr native wines may be considered a most
| valuable addition to the agricultural products
of our country.
IL s now estimated that there is in Vineyard
culture, over 1000 acres in the Ohio Valley
| About ball this quantity Is III TIE v'cinlty
@ ncinnati, and probably three four b, are DOW
bearing. Ia the Missouri Valley here are zoe
to 800 acres; and in the upper Mississippi VAL
! ley 500 or 600 acres.
In Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and
| Georgia, several vineyards of the Calawba
grape, have lately been planted, with flatterinp
| prospects, thus far, OF producing far better
crops than those of the Ohio Valley. How
II. 4 Il 4 - I'll IL
nildew and rot, our great enemies in vineyard
culture, seldom troable the first two or three
crops, but have little doubt that the uplands
of North Carolina and Georgia will be found
more favorable to the cultivation OF the Ga
| liawba grape than any oher section OF the
| United States.
The vinegrowers of the United States are
much indebted TO you for the great interest
you take in this new branch of agriculture in
our country.
CINoINNATI, October, 1856.