The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-11-02
LETTER FROM PETERSBURG.
Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispatch.

pc.clation Of the Country-W hat is Needed to
Restore It-Divcrsity Of Crops-Grapc Gull
,urc- Wine Common Council-ACcidcnt 10
Rev. Mr.. Gibson.
PETERSBURG, November l, 1867.
After casting the eye over our deSolated
fields, our orchards destroyed by relent-
less enemy, our gardens grown up III
weeds. and other evidences Of decay too
numerous to mention, one cannot help
locking over the northern horticultural
journals with a feeling Of wonder at the
unlimited stock Of fine fruits with which
the nurseries are supplied. We read ad-
ycrtiscments Offering hundreds Of thou
sands Of pear trees, and millions OF grape
vines, with apples, peaches, and other fruits
in proportion. This Is no cXaggeratlon.
ANY single first-class nursery contains
more good things than were perhaps ever
planted in Virginia i'll any halt dozen years
of her history. And yet these things are
all in demand to the full amount of sup
plv. or else they would not be produced.
+ is marvellous, indeed, where all the
money can come from TO pay for them.
Surely, every farmer must bc digging gold
out of the earth 10 enable him 10 supply
his family with all these luXuries.
1.-THE spirit of Improvement in Old Nir-
ciuia was not almost cXtinguiShcd and her
resources dried up, our farmers, both large
and small, would withdraw moments at
tenlion from cotton, and tobacco, and
grain, and apply il to the introduction and
culture of fruit. In particular, the vine
offers a source Of wealth which deserves to
be followed up rs diligently as placer Of
the precious metal. We have climate
every way superior TO that of the North for
ripening the grape. The hot sun of this
latitude is cmineutly favorable to the elabo-
ration Of the Juices, and wine OF an excel
lent quality might be made in any quanti-
" under iudicious management. This
could not fail 10 bring a remunerative
price; for, let it be remembered that the
tax on ardent spirits will probably be con-
tinued till the national debt is paid off,
which must inevitably be postponed to
distant day. The price of u fair article OF
wine, therefore. cannot but be enhanced
bv any tax on the products of distillation.
Doubtless the most favorable location
for crane culture is on our mountain sides.
Next 20 that is the undulating country
between the mountains and the head OF
tide. But the vine will flourish and ripcn
its fruit in all localities where good drain
are can be effected. This is very ne
ccssary condition to the perfect maturity
of the clusters. Our spring and early
summer is not unirequenl!y marked by
excessive wet, which, if its passage through
the earth is not facilitated, is apt to pro-
Once a blight on the berries and mildew on
the leaves. A dead level, with tena-
cious subsoil is therefore not friendly to
the health Of the vine. But there Is per-
haps scarcely farm, even in our lower
country, where these objections cannot be
avoided.
Among the large number of new and
splendid grapes of native origin which
have been brought into notice during these
late years, some one or more might doubt
less be found 10 succeed in every locality.
A few years of experience, with some dis
elimination Of judgment, Will suffice to
settle all doubtful points.
In view OF the prospective decline Of
the culture Of cotton in the South, and
especially i'll Virginia, a necessity exists
that the agricultural classes should be
looking forward to something else on
which to lean. Everything, therefore, de-
serves trial which promises any success
in our climate. The greatest impeachment
to amorc diversified culture is that people
have not been used 10 it it is an innova-
uon on the system handed down TO us
10y our fathers. But if we would ever
prosper again as State, it must be By
doing away with old thingS-old habits and
old prcjudices-and making all things
new.
The Common Council holds its regular
monthly meeting this afternoon, but if
lhey should transact any business OF i'm
poftance 1t will be too late for reporting
III tins letter. The esti,nable eentlcmen
m "; compose that body are very much
gwen TO speaking, aud never adjourn tilI q
late hour. 'J'"i '''i
An accident of rather a paiurp, notrro
Happened last night to the Rev. Mr. Gu
son. He went TO the depot to See SOM.
lady friends on the train for Ricbmond
ana IN stepping from the car while il
was III motion fractured the small bone OF
one Of his arms.