The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-05-17
THE GRAPE CULTURE.

Mr. Silas Mcdowell, Of Macon county, some
ycars since, mentioned to us theory which he
had nraturod Ill his cwn mind, respecting the
frosty region Of Western North Carolina. At first
We thought his views amounted to nothing more
thl!: theory, but few years observation has coi-
WINGED w. that his views are founded i'll facts.
There does exist fioSt-I"c, above which there
j. thermal current CT stratum OF atmosphere in
which vegetation is not in urcd by spring trosts.
y year ago, the vegetation Of the Tennessee valley
bitten down by severe frost. The line of its
existence did not reach than about three
thousand feet above the level OF Tennessee River.
\ i1w days after the frost the valley through its
whole length, presented most singular appear
ance. The leaves upon the timber, in the valley,
were black and crisp, from t;o#-EW, while higher
upon the mountains sides every thing remained
green and fresh. The line Of the destructive frost
seemed to be regular along the mountains ;s the
surface of lake. We mention this one instance
Is being the most strikin" one within our observa-
:io:i, illustrating Mr. NcDowcll's theory Since
that time, we have taken SOME pains to gather
such facts might throw light upon this subject,
and all We learned go to substantiatc, in Il most
satisfactory manner everything claimed by Mr.
Mcdowell for his thermal theory.
The existence fthis thermal belt OF atmosphere
i suggestive of one of the resources Cf our noun
tain region. Within this bclt there are elegant
,a"le lands, situated though nature had laid them
",tt for great vineyards. Many Of tn s. ttILs
have Il warm southern exposure; are Of a occp rich
soil and are covered with hickory ashe black
walnut. maple, LACK locust cedar, poplar and
tie oaks Of the southern AHcghamicS sheltered bv
h'.ch mountain peaks, with bold rocky escarpmcns
the north and northwest. Thus sheltered
rou, jhh chiliu" winds ci the north and northwest
With l,y ard iainy almost hcrc, We cannot con
cyvr II n.n:e favorable localities for grape culture
within the vast extent OF our broad country
y, - L,
native crane vine GROWN" III the greatest uxuri-
ance. Here. tao, may he found almost any variety
oi soil. is furnished by the different rocky strata
from which the element have been drificd down.
Another fact worthy OF note is. that the rocky
Gctritus mixed with the soil would seem to rem
der hat little labor, in trcnchine, to prepare the
ground. necessary; for the native vines evidently
take vigorous root without any artificial prcpara-
;ou Of the ground. Where mature has done 50
'ihy:a, share it must be evident that the cost Of
making plantation Of cuttings will be greatly
jess than the usual cost in other localities These
suggestions are based upon the most careful ohscr-
Ya!inn>.
We must, however. be permitted to call the al
t2nt;on Of the reaper 20 few practical facts. which
20 t. sustain what have already said. In the
cary settlement Of this (rcnncssea( valley. few
men located themselves high up in the mountain
coves. Amongst other fruits which they planted.
was an occasional grape slip. There are several
vines growing from these carly paintings, aud
being above the frost-iine and within the thermal
52lt arc uniform bearers-have not failed for per-
hap~ twenty years ami their fruit is sound and de-
licjob-, free from rot and mdew and also from
signs of puneture by Insects. We feel ho hest
fancy IN saying that the grape culture in the
southern Alegbauics if undertaken by men of
capital and practical knowledge, would lie most
ranUHeTatiye enterprise.
From personal knowledge Of the amount of
table lands adapted to The grape We think We are
sai;, in saying that Macon county alone is
capable of producing in her thermal regions 4 mil
Jon gallons Of wine annually.
one county, to say nothing of the other counties
west of the Ridge, for the production of wine, to
Induce any body Of wtse legislators to grant the
required aid penetrate and explore this Sritzcr