THE EMIGRATION. BY J. M. DE COURTENAY. QUEBEC : PRINTED BY JOSEPH DARVEAU, 8, MOUNTAIN HILL. WINE CULTURE. OUR POSITION. CHAPTER I. The radical policy hitherto carried out by every suc- cessive government, and the drifting of our ship of state, (cheered on in two great languages) into the troubled waters of a democracy, that already has engulfed the honor and pros- perity of an entire continent, render it impossible for us to offer to European emigration, a choice of other principles than those recognised throughout the civilized world, as American. The admirers of law, order and authority, seek in vain, for a guarantee, in our constitution, were the democratic ele- ment alone is predominent. By those who consider equality, even in degradation and poverty, with the steel-knuckles, and ballot-box, to be the “ Summum Bonum” of human felicity — we are only re- garded as the Plagiarists of our more diishing neighbours — who at least possess the courage of their opinions, that we endeavour to imitate without daring to profess. "We offered to capitalists, and conservatives, no advantage of stability, or steadiness — either in our political institutions, or in the tenure of our real estate — and we could never show that our lands could be brought to represent any real value even that of a British percentage upon the capital in vested. 4 Feeling the inferiority of our agricultural ressources, we have had recourse to the artificial pressure of Railway and Manufacturing speculations, — and land jobbings, and agen- cies, of every description — whilst our liabilities have been increasing, and our credit in proportion deminishing, until we find ourselves altogether dependant upon the interest, or caprice, of the Financial Princes, upon the Royal Ex- change. At the same time, our ties with the Great Mother Coun- try have so far become weakened, that our very existance is as coolly and ignorantly discussed, by a Professor of Oxford, as our vital agricultural prospects, have been, by his Toronto colleague. Strange to say, it has never entered into the calculations of our stetesmen, and political economists, that our great staple commodity was land — and our only hope an abundant flow of Emigration. Indeed, the question of “ to be or not to be ’’—depends upon our capacity of demonstrating, that our land is equal, if not superior, to any other such coinmodity, upon this Con- tinent. Should we feel ourselves unable to solve that problem, we may in vain assure the world, that we are an amiable, hard working people, enjoying a very healthy, although a very unpleasant, and unprofitable climate — where a stout heart, and hard muscles, are required, to support the apprentiship of hardships, represented, as the inevitable doom of those, who must only expect to acquire, a plain living, in exchange for hard labour. Expending considerable sums in attracting the poor and hard working emigrant to our shores, with the only apparent result, of patronizing the Grand Trunk, and Great Western Railways, and providing a Yankee population, for the Far West— we expect to arrive at the Millenium, should we suc- ceed in curbing the zeal of American Agents, and Railway Runners — and accepting, with as much eagerness, as plati- tude, the “Free Institutions ” of our blustering neighbours. 5 Not content with such results, we place au almost insur- montable obstacle, to the introduction of capital, and to the attraction of a higher class of emigrants, by rendering the acquisition of an extensive estate, practically impossible. The limitation to the sale of Crown Lands, of 200 acres to each individual, is the fruit of our levelling system. It was ostensibly carried out, under the pretext of preventing Land jobbing, which, in many parts of Canada, is now as florishing as ever. Had such been the real object in view, it might have been accomplished, by obliging au entail. — And thns end- eavouring to conserve every element of our monarchial institutions, instead of pandering, to the vilest instincts of unbridled mobocracy. We might thus have attracted to our lands, men of wealth, and position in Europe, desirous of establishing the foundation of A Family in our midst. Many Noblemen, and Gentlemen in Great Britain, and on the Continent of Europe, would seize with eagerness, upon the possibility of establishing, the Younger Branches of their families, otherwise, than amongst overcrowded professions, and employments, and we could easely afford them facilities for occupying our waste Lands, and paying the taxes im- posed upon them, when no longer belonging to the Crown. Numbers of our own wealthy and spirited merchants, would prefer expending upon estates, the fortunes, we so often behold squandered, upon improductive suburban villas. I submit to any educated man in this Province, if an appeal has ever been made, to any other, than the most in- ferior class of labouring Emigrants. If it has become a byword in the country, that only that class of men can succeed. A man they say, must march against the Forest, his axe upon his shoulder, and he alone, can make it recoil. The result of such a system, is the willful destruction of our valuable and magnificent Forests.— Poverty in the pre- sent, disorder — disaster — and bankrupkcy, in the prospect. 6 A constitutional monarchy, only in name, an encroach- ing, levelling, and poverty stricken Democracy, in reality — who reason without examining, the first principles of politi- cal economy, the relative position of capital, and labour, and the absolute necessity of their union, in order to develop our immense latent wealth, and create anything worthy of the attention, of a really valuable portion, of the European population. In this wealthy and highly intelligent commercial city — In all Lower Canada — I do not believe there exists a single educated intelligent man, who believes in the possibility of a Farm being productive — or in the probability, of capital so employed, giving any reasonable return. If such is correct. If such opinions are prevalent. As long as land can not pay, both capital, and labour. So long, you will in vain employ ministers to colonise, and Emigration Agents, and Committees, to attract a po- pulation, for the most part of transit, through a country where the rising generation, have in turn become immigrants, being unable to strike root, even on their native soil. If such a position is the normal one, natural, and ad- herent to the country, the fate of Lower Canada is decided. Population is power, and must eventually be represen- ted. If Lower Canada proposes to remain stationary for ten years— or even for half of that period. Her Sun will inevitably rise in the West. 7 CHAPTER II. THE WEALTH OF HEAT. A combination of unfortunate circumstances have ever tended to drag down this country to a standard far beneath its natural position. The original system of French Colonisation was alto- gether ipilitary, and for the last century, emigration has been drawn from climates in no way resembling our own. Our farmers and agricultural labourers have emigrated from more northern latitudes. The Norwegian, Scotchman, and Northern Englishman, may feel at home during our winters, but no class of Emi- grants arriving in the St. Lawrence, are prepared for the of our summers, and none know how to profit by the wonderful wealth of that heat, which appears to our popula- tions only as an inconvenience, and to be appologised for. Had we endeavored to obtain even a limited emigra- tion, accustomed to the broiling summers, and rigorous winters of the slopes of the Jura, the Alps, Pyrenees, or Appenines, or to many similar climates from Hungary, to Crimea, we should long since have discovered, that our lands had other resources, and other riches, than could ever be extracted from them, by the “ nec plus ultra ” of our agricultural immagination, a Scotch farmer. Take away from France, her wine, oil, and silk, and immagine what would remain of her thirty five millions of 8 population, of her splendid Army, of her Imperial Govern- ment. As long as Canada does not produce wine, oil, silk, and hemp in abondance, she may be considered in comparitively the same wretched position, of an immaginary France, re- duced to the miserable resources of ordinary field crops. In order that the importance of the comparison may be understood, I must explain, with the authority of Count De Gasperin, the value to France of the productions I advo- cate. And as I shall on many occasions make use of this authority, I may here explain, that it is looked upon, as the best Europe can afibrd, although the Count for many years was minister of Agriculture. Thus in the 4th vol. of his “Cours d’Agriculture ” pages 697 and 698 1 find : “ The Mulberry accompanies the vine, to its last limit “ in altitude, and we do not doubt, that also in latitude, this “ will be found the limit of its useful cultivation. It would “ be difficult to exagerate the advantages Europe obtained “ by the adoption of this industry. Three hundred and “ twelve millions of francs, is what the mulberry produces “ to France, which is one third of the production of its “ vineyards.” Thus I find that these productions amount to Wine - - - - 934 millions Silk - - - - 312 do Making a total of 1248 millions of francs or of 250 millions of dollars. As to the production of oil, I can only speak here, of that which is furnished by the Wallnut, and which is at least equal in quality to that of the Olive. The French have divided their Wallnuts into seven varieties. 1st Hoyer a coque tendre. 2nd Noyer tardif. 3rd Noyer de jauge ou k gros fruits. 4th Noyer bijoux. 9 5th Noyer a truit dur ou Noyer noir. 6th Noyer a grappes, ou de Canada. 7th Noyer La cerise, and in short the “ Noyer commun.” The fifth, and sixth, are originaries of North America, and known in this country, as the black wallnut, and the butternut. The second, only flowers in June, and would be the species, suitable for this climate, and to graft upon the Canadian varieties. Before the empire of Napoleon the 1st, many wallnuts incapable of producing oil, were grown in France. But that great reformer, that regenerator of France, ordered men who understood the grafting of that tree, to be sent all over the country, and in two or three years, every Barren Wallnut in France, changed its nature, and became an abon- dant source of revenue. In the “Vaucluse” especially, (which was covered with the black wallnut, and the butter- nut). This measure changed the face of the country, which can easily be immagined when it is considered, that an average tree, will produce 100 francs, or $20 worth of oil every year, and without labour. De Gasperin calls it “ La- bour of nature.” Nothing could be more easily accomplished in Canada. In the Eastern section we have thousands of butternut, in the Western as many black wallnut. What a change a few grafters would make, and how easily accomplished. I again introduce the Count De Gasperin’s “ Cours d’ Agri- culture” vol. 4th, pages 753 and 754. “ The same region of mountains in the center of our temperate region, that obtains its bread all prepared from “ the chessnut, receives also its oil from another tree. The “ wallnut, which furnishes nearly half the oil that is consumed « in France, more than three times the quantity that is ob- tained from the Olive, and three fourths of that produced “ by Oleogenous grains. “ But no niore wallnuts are planted, whilst numbers are B 10 “ annually rooted out. It will finish by altogether disappea- “ ring from all lands susceptible of other cultivation, “ What are the causes of destruction to this fine tree, “ the veritable monarch of our vegetation ? “ As with the Olive, and the chessnut, it arrives from “ the decay oi family feeling, from the rapidity of the trans- “ mission of the soil, passing from hand to hand, that renders “ transient all enterprises formerly belonging to many gene- “ rations. “ It is from the little durabilaty of positions, that makes “ the father foresee, for his children, another destiny than “ his own. “ It is from the haste to enjoy, and from repugnance “ to enterprises of long term, that prevents the new genera- “ tions from undertaking any labour, the fruits of which “ they may be themselves unable to enjoy. “ The great value of the wood has to us a temptation, “ we know not how to resist. As twenty wallnut on an “ acre of land represents a value of 3000 francs often supe- “ rior to that of the soil. “ This avidity, deprives our valleys of that which re- “ quires no labour to produce, and substitutes the labour of “ man, to that of nature. ‘‘ It is only in twenty years, the wallnut gives fair pro- “ duce, and in sixty, the maximun of its crops. “ What an enormous period for us, who are only pas- sengers upon that land, where our ancestors seemed, like their trees, to have taken root.” Such, to France, are the effects of the loss of entail. Such the consequences of the division and destruction of property. The action of the Eevolution was hastened by Land companies or “ Black Bands,” as they were there stigma- tised, who purchased properties in block, stripped them of everything valuable, and disposed of them in detail, when impoverished and distroyed. A moral may for us be drawn, from these effects of one, of the “ Four Revolutions.” 11 CHAPTER III. AN INSTITUTION. In the sessional papers of 1860 No. 22 may be found a correspondance of mine, laid before Parliament, soliciting assistance for the introduction of wine and silk culture into Canada. Professor Hinks was the authority appealed to, by the late government, who upon his decision, politely informed me that I should obtain every assistance, when I could de- monstrate in a practical manner, the correctness of my views. The Honorable Mr. Galt was I beleive the only mem- ber of the late administration, who took any interest in the matter, which was evidently refered to Professor Hinks, to be Pooh-Poohed. It will be easily understood, with what ability he was chosen for the business. In Europe, nearly all public administrations of every description, have their “ Bullies ” either Phisical or “ Moral ” — whose duty consists in effectually silencing intruders, who presume to disturb the ordinary vocations, and routine of the establishment. The system carried out is the same from institutions of the highest, to those, of the lowest repute. The “ modus operand! ” differs of course essentially, according to the dignity of the establishment, and the more or less “ exorbitant pretentions ” of the intruder. In some cases, your mouth is closed. In others, your eyes. 12 It all depends upon the nature of the establishment, and the capacity of the Bully — and a good deal as to whether the administration retain a suitable person “ad hoc” or is obliged to employ for the occasion, an outsider, in which case the operation is performed, less zealously, and more politely, than when the Professional reputation of the ope- rator is at stake. The late administration being unprovided, were obliged to have recourse to Professor Hinks, who, I must confess, extinguished myself, and my pretentions, most politely, but also most effectually. I have not been able to appreciate fully the delicacy of his proceeding, before having lately undergone a similar operation, under the hands of a Professional Practitioner. The learned and accomplished Professor politely bowed me out, with the blandest expressions of consideration, for my practical experience, and of genuine and bewitching in- terest in my general welfare. The other, acted more energetically. He simply knoc- ked me over the Bannister, and put his head out the window to call me names, when running away. It is true, this had been the second time I had been caught upon the premises. I must, under those circumstances, apologise to the Professor for raking up “by gones ” and republishing his amiable correspondance, in the hope of being able to con- fute, not his arguments, but his decisions — which for’ want of better, have been lately held up as authority, by M. Evan- turel. 13 CHAPTER IV. A PROFESSOR To William Hutton, Esquire, Secretary, Bureau of Agriculture, Quebec. University College, Toronto^ September the 1859. Mr DEAR Sir, I have carefully considered Mr. De Courtenay’s paper respecting wine culture in Canada. He evidently understands the subject practically and has referred also to good authorities. I must say however that I doubt the Growth of Maize being any test of a climate suit- ing the vine, and although further experiments may be de sirable, I encline to the opinion that the true vine, (vitis vinifera) does not come to perfection without glass in this climate, and that our chance of successful grape culture, lies in choosing good varieties derived from our native species. The Ohio wine cultivators, in what would seem a more favourable climate than ours, thought themselves obliged to adopt this plan — (I am not aware of the extent of their ex- perimental trials, but they were experienced German Cul- tivators, and would no doubt have employed the European 14 Grape if possible — aud I should recommend at least careful trial before any quantity of European plants is procured. It is quite possible that the hardier kinds derived from American stocks might answer and yield good wine when the European species would fail. M. De Courtenay asks Government encouragement for his enterprize, but he seeks this only in case of success, and undertakes the risk himself. The doubts I venture to suggest, do not therefore ma- terially affect the case, they may deserve his attention if his experience has been hitherto European, but if he can succeed in introducing wine as an additional branch of Canadian In- dustry, I shouuld think he would be a public benefactor — aud I see no impossibilitv of its being done with American vines though I fear the length of our winters not leaving sufficient time for European Grapes to come to perfection. I believe that Ohio vine yards already produce a good article and are improving from year to year. Believe me to be Dear Sir, Very faithfully Yours, WILLIAM HUSTKS. In this extraordinary letter, after “the complements of the season” Professor Hinks doubts “the Growth of Maize being a test of a climate suiting the wine.” I am prepared to prove that the denomination of “ sub-Region of Maize ” is given in Europe, to the Southern portion of the wine region. If therefore, the Grape is cultivated with success in that Northern portion of the wine Region, so distinguished, from the fact, of Indian Corn being unable to mature its grain — a Priori — such cultivation must he successful within the Southern portion of that Wine Region, to which we belong, — and which is distinguished by the fact that Indian Corn does come to maturity. 15 Arthur Young is the first who endeavored to determine, in a precise maimer, the limits of agricultural climates. In his voyage through France (when he foresaw and foretold the destruction of an ancient monarchy) he establish- ed for that country, four distinct Agricultural Eegions. The first Region was the North — or Cereal Region, where neither the vine or Indian Corn could be cultivated. In the next one towards the south, wine was produced but Maize could not ripen its grain. The third division was composed of both Wine, and Maize. The fourth that of the Olive. De Gasperin vol. the 2nd Page 318, declares : — “ This attempt of Arthur Young has never been sur- “ passed, being founded upon the observation of facts it “ is generally true. “ But sheltered places, altitudes, and many other cir- “ cumstauces, transform the straight lines, traced by this “ author, into very sinnuous ones.” Again in the same vol. Page 322, he says : — “ In the southern division of the Wine Region, the “ Vine ripens on the plains, and without shelters. In the “ Northern portion the slopes of hills, more or less inclined to the south, are chosen, which in point of fact, transport “ these positions to a more southern climate, often ecjual to ‘‘ many degrees. “ In such cases the vine is not the general culture of “ the country. It becomes the speciality of certain ex- “ positions, that are not of the same climate as the suiround- “ ing country. “ In our opinion therefore, the Region of the vine “ should be traced on that line, where this shrub can ripen “ without shelter, which would bring it to that limit, where “ it is cultivated in common with Maize. We shall there- “ fore define the sub-region of Maize, believing that the “ Northern Portion where it does not arrive at maturity is 16 “ only a climate of transition for the vine, and might well be “ classed in the Cereal Region. “ Having made this reserve, we shall confine ourselves “ altogether to indicating the sub-region of Maize.” Mr. Hinks next opines that “ The true vine (vitis vini- fera) does not come to perfection in this climate without the aid of glass.’’ He will perceive by my letters to the Honorable Mr. Sicotte, that — if he means by the true vine — the European vine, — I have cultivated it, in the open air, without difficulty, and I presume I shall be permitted, to place that /aci against liis opinion. My version of “vitis vinifera ” differs altogether from that of the learned Professor. Instead of “ True Vine,” I consider the proper translation should be — wine producing vine or “ cultivated vine ” — and Messrs. Joigneau & Moreau, the celebrated French chemists and botannists, translate “ vitis vinifera” by “ vigue cultivee.” As to the marked distinction, he wishes to establish between his “ true vine” and the “ native species.” In dif- fering with him altogether, I beg leave to refer to Messrs, Joigneau & Moreau as my authority. Vol. 2nd, Page 649. “ The vine is a genus of the Family of Ampelidees or “ Vitac^es. That comprises forty five species, originaries of “ Asia, and North America.” Mr. Hinks makes three other statements of equal value in this his first letter. 1st That Ohio seems to him a more favorable climate for the vine. 2nd That the German labourers employed there, are “ ex- perienced cultivators. ” 3rd He fears the lenght of our Winters, not leaving sufld- cient time for European Grape to come to perfection. The first, and third, may be classed, and answered toge- ther, the answer to the second, will be found in my letters to the Honorable M. Sicotte. 17 1 may however remark, that ordinary labourers are generally more useful in their own climate, and are very rarely “ experienced cultivators ” elsewhere. Had Ohio obtained the assistance of able, and scientific Wine Growers, from Europe, they would not have been groping for thirty five years, after (in my opinion) unsatis- factary results. As to the value of the Ohio climate in comparison with the lenght of our Winters, I assert, that the best authorities in Europe, consider^that no remarkable Wine is grown south of the 40th parralle. Bordeaux, which lies in the 45th degree, produces the most Southern Aromatic Wines — and all other valuable Wines, are yet further North. As for Sherry, and Port, they are not Aromatic Wines, but are manufactured with Brandy, and other ingredients^ and for the English market alone. Monsieur de Gasperin’s estimate of a Wine climate, must naturally carry with it more conviction, than any argu- ments I can offer. In considering many pages of statistics, taken from the delegates of Wine Associations, we remark in his “ Cours d’ Agriculture ” Vol. 4th, page 639, “this same operation “ made on a series of years from 1828 to our day, gives us “ the same result. Thus we can conclude, that the climates most favou- “ rable to the vine, are those, where the duration of the “ season of vegetation is the shortest, and where during such “ season, tbe total heat is the most elevated. “ Where the difference, between the solar heat, and “ the minimum heat, is the greatest, and where conse- “ quently vegetation proceeds by shocks, and not by a uniform “ march. ” This description of our own climate, by so undoubted an authority as Monsieur de Gasperin, will convince many, that it has been often sadly callumniated, by “ the Learned of the Land. ” 18 As a further exemple of the active part M. Hincks has taken in this unworthy, and impolitic hue and cry — I beg leave to extract a paragraph from his letters on the Silk question. In order to understand the fallacy of such doctrines, it must be born in mind, that as the Silk worm in Europe, is always reared by means of artificial heat, which is provided with greater facility that an artificial cool temperature — the practical result has been, that heat, and not cold, furnishes the limit to that industry. — The proof of which we may discover in the/ac^, that in Malta the production of Silk has been a miserable failure, whilst the last Great Exhibition, has shown Sweeden to excel in this lucrative industry. Yet Mr. Hinks declares “that he fears our harsh cli- “ mate would prevent success in this branch of Industry. ” Before reproducing the second letter of the learned gentleman, upon Vine culture, I desire to answer his fears that European Vines should not ripen, within the short sea- son of our summer vegetation. In doing so I must again refer to my letters addressed to the Honorable Mr. Sicotte, where I endeavour to explain some divisions of the European Grape, and shew, that many of them require less heat than we can aflord them. However, both here, and in Europe, the greatest care must be taken in planting vines, transported from another district, to preserve to them as much as possible, not only the full degree of heat, requisite for the maturity of each variety, but also the soil, and aspect, to which they have been accustomed. Even then, and under every possible precaution, you will never obtain exactly the same fiavour, which always differs materially in the same parish, with the same assortment of vines, in the same climate, aspect, and soil. I consider it perfectly imyossihle for the delicate descrip- tions of either European or native vine, to succeed upon the clay soils of Cincinnati. 19 Messrs. Joigneau & Moreau declare in their valuable work vol. the 2nd, page 651, that “ If you take choice vines from light soils, and plant them in clay, you will obtain a “ something, very much approaching to a mixture of half “ water, half vinegar.” The same authors, in the same page declare that “ The vine planted in clay, will only produce a “ great deal of acid, and very little sugar,” and this will account for the quantities of sugar mixed with the vines of Ohio, and which in my opinion, is no remedy to the evil, and is after all, but an American invention, and institution. I shall now return to Mr. Hinks, and we shall hear him discourse the “Repeated and varied experience,” that proves “ that no European grape can come to perfection in this “ country.” To William Hutton, Esq., Bureau of Agriculture, Quebec. University College, Toronto j October the *lth, 1859 My dear Sir, I am very much obliged to you for the copy of Mr, Parker’s letter, and am glad to find that an intelligent man of considerable practical experience, confirms my views as to the culture of the vine. The Clinton vine which he thinks hardest of all that are useful, is one of the varieties from the native species. It is probable however that with the system of close pruning, the Catawba and Isabella grapes, also of native origin and which are so much cultivated in Ohio, would flourish and yield valuable produce, but Mr. Parker confirms my view that trying the European grapes in this climate, would be ^^^^Tndoubtedly, Grape culture is a desirable branch of Industry to introduce, and successful enterprise in it desires 20 encouragement ; I only desire that M. de Courtenay should not through our confidence, run into expenditure in procu- ring European vines, at the great risk of disappointment. I would try some of the European with short pruning, I would also try the principal American varieties and in- crease most of the stock, of the kind which answers best, and in this way little time need be lost. It would be well worth while to make immediately a plantation of the Clinton vine, as it may be accounted that it will succeed certain and yield a good wine. If Catawba and Isabella and other fine American varie- ties succeed, they may deserve preference on further plan- ting, and if European varieties succeed, they may be better still, but of them I can but help entertaining great doubts. I will endeavour at a suitable season, if I live, to visit Mr. Parker’s vineyard. Believe me to be. Dear Sir, very truly yours, WILLIAM HINKS. “ P. S. — M. De Courtenay endeavours to prove that our “ climate must be favourable for vine.” “ Repeated and varied experience has decided that a “ true, or European Grape will not come to perfection in the “ open air, in this country, and even in the fine climate of “ Southern Ohio the wine makers are obliged to rely on va- “ rieties obtained from natives vines — as the Catawba and “ Isabella-^they cannot cultivate the varieties estimed in Eu- “ rope.” Mr. Hinks commences by congratulating himself that Mr. Parker agrees with him. How far he does so in estin^ishing may be judged from the following extract. Clair House, Cooksville, September 3rd, 1859. « The resources of Canada can never be developped “ unless such men as M. De Courtenay meet with every en- 21 “ couragement. His engagement is very fair, but difficult, “ Canada covered with vines, would be very different from “ what Canada now is, and how many men have had grants “ of land on which nothing has been done,but felling timber, “ and planting potatoes.” As far as I can understand, Mr. Parker has cultivated only sweet water, or eating grapes. If he obtained a good vigneron from the center of the vine region in Europe, and made additions to his plants, by obtaining some, containing an access of tanning, and from a more Northern climate, I am persuaded he would succeed as he well deserves. I can discover no argument whatever in his letter de- monstrating, that any proper means have ever, on this Con- tinent been adopted, for the introduction of valuable or other European Grapes. The only part of the second and last letter of Mr. Hinks that remains unanswered — or is at all worthy of notice — is his recommendation as to close pruning — but he does not gay — for he does not know — how such a thing could be carried out. The word close 'pruning, is my own, and I have never been desired to explain my meaning. Mr. Hinks re- peated it, as flippantly as if his tongue had been, by silver six pence split. 22 CHAPTER V- PRUNING, AND PLANTING. Pruning of anj description, and there are five hundred difierent methods, is by no means arbitrary. Both that, and the distance to be preserved between the plants — (and the former is always regulated by the latter) — must depend altogether upon the nature of your climate, “ the inclination of your land, and the vigour oi the vine you “ propose to cultivate.” De Gasperin, vol. 4th, page 666. As a general rule, you must keep your vines low in the North, and plant them at about two feet apart. As you approach the South, you must allow your vines to me, and extend your distances as far as about eight yards. This practice is based upon the more or less vigour of the plant, which invariably increases as you proceed South, at least as far as extends the Southern limit of the vine region, which has been by the best authorities traced upon the 35th paralell. In our climate I plant in squares of four yards distance, and prune accordingly, and find I have by no means over estimated the vigour of my plants. In Cincinnati, they im- mitate the feeble vigour of the extreem Northern limit, and plant at two or three feet distances, pruning of course ac- cordingly, by my estimate of their climate, I should judge eight yards at least as the distance to be preserved. 23 I must confess that I feel myself incapable of inventing anything, and so hir differ from what is van nti ugly termed. The live Yankee” that I am penetrated with the con- viction, that ultimate success can only attend those, who consent humbly and respectfully, to follow in the paths of their betters. Had American experiments on Politics, and Vine cul- ture, proved .successful, the knowledge procured by two thousand years of European civilization, must have been transmitted to us in vain. As I have previously remarked, the great art of wine culture consists in planting, and pruning, which can only be acquired by considerable practical experience. Independant of latitude, altitude, or the inclination of the land, the nature of the vine itself, must be taken into the most careful consideration. Certain varieties have a propensity to rise before bea- ring abondant fruit, and are generally to be found amongst the wild grapes of all countries. The “ Vignes de treilles” of France, and the “Pergulanes ” of Italy. It is only from their horizontal branches, or guirlands, that you can hope to obtain an abondant fructification. The vigour of their vegetation, if allowed to run wild, will expend itself in wood branches, and leaves. If kept low, and short, the same effects will be produced. Monsieur De Gasperin vol. 4th, page 667 exemplifies this doctrine in an interesting manner. “ We made an ex- “ periment upon a vine of Corinth, brought home from the “ expedition of Morea in 1828. “ Kept low during fourteen years, it produced only a very small quantity of fruit, used only as samples. Having “ then been allowed to climb upon a neighbouring tree, it “ covered itself with fruit, and gave that year a quantity suf- “ ficient to make a Hectolitre (25 gallons) of wine.” 24 I presume many persons in this country have remarked even amongst the wild vines, that some, prefer to climb to the summits of the highest trees, whilst others content them- selves with spreading over brush wood. The same thing exists in Europe and in a greater de- gree, with the cultivated vines, (vitis vinifera) whose natural propensities have become fixed habits, from many centuries of judicious priming. Those varieties therefore, that have long been preserved low, would wear themselves out immediately, and soon cease to be productive if allowed to rise, or if the mode of pru- ning was materially altered. All varieties if abandoned to themselves, produce an innumerable quantity of branches, and become wild within three years. As the vigour of the vine varies according to the cli- mate, and increases as it approaches the south, so (in the same proportion) does the distance between plants extend itself. The increasing evaporation of the vine as it proceeds south, makes it also absolutely necessary to allow a greater cube of earth, so that its roots may extend themselves and absorbs the degree of moisture required for its vegetation. Another reason may be discovered from the recognised fact “ that the closer the plants, the sooner the fruit arrives at maturity.” The action so produced, is because the stronger the vines, the later they blossom, and therefore they have time to de- velop more branches, and leaves, than are necessary. An isolated plant, blossoms, and ripens, long after those that are crowded together, and have therefore less vigour. The first ripe grapes, are never to be found on the borders of a vineyard, and old vines planted on poor soil, are considerably in advance of those, younger, and better manured. 25 These become, very important considerations in the ex- treem Northern Limit of the Vine Eegion,— where the maturity is uncertain — and some days gained may be of great advantage in obtainingdrinkable Wines— for although, you can obtain an eaqual quantity of Wine, by encreasing the distance between the plants, yet the contrary practice in such climates is found more advantageous, in order to im- provethe quality. It need not either be nessessary to proceed to the ex- trem northern limit of the Vine Region, in order to ap- preciate the advantages a few days of earlier maturity may produce — to obtain which, they have been obliged, even in Burgundy, to decrease the distance between the plants, not- withstanding, their climate lies in the center of the Vine Region — “ the Sub Region of Maize.” CHAPTER VI. UN MINISTRE ETRANGER A L’ AGRICULTURE. In the good old times of real Burgundy, the small Pinot varieties of Grape, were principally used, only intermingled with some choice varieties of White Grape. Avidity of increasing produce, introduced an inferior, though more abondant Grape, and the “ Gamais ” was brought from a latitude some degrees further South. So that, a 26 from these circumstances, and from over manuring, those Vine yards that previously ripened their fruit in September, were retarded in their maturity until the end of October, without even then, always obtaining a well conditioned crop. Some old Vineyards remain exceptio-ns to this misrule — and though the quantity produced is much below the pre- sent standard, yet the prices they obtain are really fabulous. As far back as January 1395 there exists an ordmance directed against such encroachments, by Philippe the Hardi, Puke of Burgundy, who, as tradition informs us, took the question unto is own hands, his minister of Agriculture and Statistics, for fear of offending the very vindictive and pow- erful “Clique” of “Lantern Scrapers,” refused even to report upon the matter — for which by the by, if we are correctly informed, he was afterwards expulsed — fixed in the public Pillory — and condemned to have forfeited the right of carrying that emblem of virility, the Beard — which lenient sentence of the Hardy Phillipe, deponant sayeth — was confirmed by the public verdict, of “ Served him right the, &c., &c.” Be that as it may. The said Royal Duke, complains bitterly that important foreign personages came no longer, as in the passed, to pro- vision themselves with the excellent Wines (the best in Christendom) of Baume, Pomard and Volnay, and bring in exchange of these productions, both money, and merchan- dise. After the information he has obtained he attributes this fact to two causes. In the first place, he accuses the Vine Growers of at- taching more importance to the quantity, than to the quality, -^introducing miserable plants in the midst of choice ones, and robbing strangers by selling abominable “ Gamais ” for good Wine. In the second place, the Duke Phillipe, denounces strong- ly, and vigourously, those persons who go about gathering — “ Scrapings of Lanterns, and excrements ” to place in the 27 vineyards, rendering the "Wines of such a nature, that no good Christian, either could, or dared, to drink them ; upon which, the good Duke decrees : that all who shall dare to continue such mulpractices, shall be fined the amount of “ sixty sols, ’ and the confiscation of all beasts of burden, and conveyances, that shall be sufficiently daring, to — “ Mener, faiivmener, charroyer, porter, ou mettre par quelque voie que ce soit,” raclures de lanternes, ordures, excrements, etc., etc. CHAPTER VII. WINE. It will be easily perceived, the importance attached in Burgundy to their wines, and there is no reason, why we should not produce better ones, on the borders of the St. Lawrence. And why should it not be so ? If Monsieur De Gas- perins is correct. In asserting the best wine is made, where the greatest heat is concentrated, in the shortest season of ve- getation, and where there exists, the greatest contrasts of temperature. Now, the season of vegetation in Burgundy Mr. De Gasperins informs us, varies from 168, to 174 days with an exceptional year at 162. Our seasonof vegetation varies from 135 to 150 days calculated (as in Burgundy for the grape) when the temperature rises to 12 centigrade and returns below that degree. 28 Our amount of heat during a season of vegetation of 135 days is/ar superior to that of Burgundy with its 174 days. !N’otwithstanding, that our contrasts between the temperature of day, and night, are much greater. Purity of atmosphere, the next greatest advantage for a wine climate, we posses, in a much greater degree, than Burgundy, or indeed than any part of France. The very variations in our temperature, demonstrate this purity of at- mosphere, as the former, is 'produced by radiation of heat, which is the consequence of the latter — we have always been in the habit of praising our long winters, and appologising for our short and burning summers — whereas the real advantage of our climate consists, in the heat and brevity of those very summers, which can by the wonderful riches they produce. When properly managed compensate, for even the unpleasant, and unprofitable length of our winters. As to the effects of vine culture upon emigration, it can be well understood that the moment we commence such operations upon any important scale, we remove from the European immagination that chill, and shudder, ever asso- ciated with Canada, supposed to be only productive of snow, wood, and ice. The physical, moral, and social effect, of wine upon our population, can neither be overrated, or exagerated. A French Political Economist, declares, that wine is to the French, and Latin race in general, what Bee/ is to the Anglo Saxons. I am persuaded that wine is “meat and drink” to every division of the human race. It is, at the same time, the antidot to Dispepsia and Delirium Tremens — has ever, at the same time, banished the use of spirituous liquors — and “ made the heart of man glad.” It seems to be a nessescity of the human organisation. It awakes the forces of the stomach, excites the fibres of the brain, and exercices an action of radiation upon the entire nervous system, and the complicated vital functions, and appears to be a beverage indispensable to man — being that, which is the most easily ob- tained — and the most agreable, and most generally ap- 29 predated, which is proved by ih^fact of the exclusion of all others witUn the climates where it can be 'produced. But, in order that wine should become the universal beverage of the country, it must be produced of every quality, and of every Price. The attempt to produce only sparkling Catawba— re- minds one, of the unfortunate Queen, who proposed to sub- stitute “ sweet cakes ” for that bread, the want of which (as foreseen by Arthur Young) caused the French Revolution. Good sound ordinary wines, are the only real basis upon which such cultivation can be established, for it must be re- membered that, as for every other description of merchandize, poor consumers are the most numerous. Unlike most other production, it is by no means a de^ jined. substance, presenting everywhere the same composition. For some, it is a delicate beverage, the merit of which consists in the odour, or “ bouquet,” — in the unctious and agreable savour, to the palate, much more, than in the more or less quantity of alcohol it contains. For others, it is only a spirit, more or less diluted, between these extreems, ail tastes, and necessities, may he discovered. But, as the mass of consumers are poor, so are the ordinary wines the most numerous, and their value — (which consists in the spirit they contain)— more easily ap- preciated. With regard to fine wines, on the contrary, you can dis- cover no other guage, than the palate of the connaisseur, whose opinion will only be guided by either an acquired taste or the fashion of day. These qualities of so much value, may be obtained, by any one within the Wine Regions, but never in an infaliable manner, and to a degree foreseen in advance. With the plants, soil, and aspect, of clos-vougeot— Wine is made in the same district in no way resembling that of clos- vougeot. 1 ^ XT- A great number of questions present themselve to the Wine grower in a new country, where no agricultural ex- 30 perience can guide him, — -and the problems he must solve are so complicated, and so numerous, that I find it impossi- ble within the limited space of a small pamphlet to give even an outline of the Agricultural, Economical, and Commercial considerations, nessessary for, relating to, or dependant upon, the success of so arduous an undertaking. CHAPTER VIII. CONCLUSION. An important duty compels me to explain to my friends, the progress of an enterprise, with which my name has been for some years connected, and expose to them, the argu- ments that have been adopted by those, who have laboured to twart my eftbrts, towards the advancement of a question, that must inevitably, and at no distant period, become a dominant one, in this province. In solliciting assistance from Government, I have never stipulated for personal advantages, before it should have been in my power to furnish unequivocal proofs of undoubted suc- cess. Yet, I have been taxed, with “ exorbitant pretentions ” 31 and chimerical views ” by men, who are unable to comfute my theories deny the/^cte 1 have practically established, — oi comprehend the motives that actuate me, or the senti- ments that animate me. I shall continue however, as far it lays within my power, to advocate those principles, and advance towards the ac- complishment of those projects, that in my solemn conviction, are destined to exercise incalculable influence, upon the future prosperity of this country. In the mean time, I can assure my friends and those enlightened men, who from superior intelligence, or educa- tion, have been able at a glance to appreciate the importance of my views — that, nothing can be more refreshing, and encouraging, to a man of profond convictions, than the coun- tenance of those he admires, and respects, unless indeed, to that may be adjoined, “ the hate he disdains.” My limited space prevent me also from passing in re- view, the numerous Agricultural failures, and worthless experiments, that have been made upon this continent, and while fully appreciating the spirited, although unsuccessful efforts of many, who depended upon circumstances beyond their control. — I must deplore the effects of such groping, and blundering, and regret the consequences naturally so prejudicial to the general wellfare. But without desiring to attribute unworthy motives to an accomplished Professor, I must also deplore that men of recognised worth, and undoubted capacity — instead of obser- ving the extreem caution, and reserve, ever attendant upon such superior acquirements — Should allow themselves to be drawn beyond the extended limits, of their manifold and im- portant attributions in order to become the instruments of their inferiors— and to exibit the contrast, existing between pretentions to “universal knowledge and to claims less presumptive, and more admissible. 32 I have no object in reproducing Professor Hink’s letters upon the Silk question — or the details of my satisfactory experiments upon that subject, as in my opinion Silk culti- vation upon this continent must follow, and not precede, that of the Vine. — I have however to admit, that I consider his botanical appreciations have been correct upon that subject and that I must have mistaken for a second growth of Basswood a species of Wild Mulbery — the leaves of which, have been accepted with avidity by the Silk worm. It now remains for me to explain the progress of my experiments upon the culture of the Vine, since the date of those letters, whose authority I have at length endeavoured to comfute. It may easily be understood to be absurd, and impossible to expect, at that period — without the advantage of practical experiments in my favour, that my theories would be tolle- rated, when opposed to the decision of a recognised authority, a University Professor. I therefore applied myself to make wine and to demon- strate in a practical manner, that our “ native species ’’ was a true vine. The vitis vinifera ” or vine producing grape vine, when cultivated, quite equal to those varieties cul- tivated in Europe — and also, that European vines can succeed perfectly in this climate. Sustained by the great authority of a successful experi- ment, I appealed during the last season, to several gentle- men, of recognized intelligence, of large views, and of standing in the conntry, and encouraged by their appro- bation, I laid the entire case, theoretical and practical before the President of the Executive Council, the Ho- norable Mr. McGee. I cannot presume to say here, all that flows from heart and brain, respecting that amiable and accomplished gentle- man, and dilligent statesman, suffice to say, that after the most minute examination of my theories, and a careful com- parison with the practical results I obtained. He was pleas- ed to take and feel a very considerable interest in the matter, 33 and exercised Ms influence with the Honorable Mr. Sicotte, who iu his turn, after a very patient and minute enquiry, assured me that he would grant 'me every assistance in his power, and that I should be allowed a thousand dollars in September. The Honorable Mr. McGee also wrote to me in August, assuring me that the Honorable Premier was most favourably inclined, and had authorised him to inform me, that T should receive in September that sum. Circumstances have hitherto prevented the Honorable Mr. Sicotte from being able to assist my enterprize, in the manner that this liberal, and highminded gentleman, and statesman, had desired, but I must say I feel perfectly satis- fied, that the “ Father of the Fisheries ” will do all that may be in his power, to endow the country with an industry, the value of which can be, by no one better appreciated — and who when convinced is obliged to encourage — for to none can be more applicable, “noblesse oblige.” The Friends and Patrons of the system I advocate, and to whom alone I address myself, will understand the reserve imposed upon me under the present circumstances. If at regret, I have been obliged to express political convictions, they must remember, that such are not those of either of the political divisions of the Province. They are merely aspirations towards that which does not yet ezisty and can, in no manner, be offensive to those gentlemen, who upon each side of the Parliamentary benches, have concien- cious duties to perform, — As alternatively they occupy, either the responsable Position of “Advisers of the Crown,” or of “Her Majesty’s Opposition.” Under all circumstances, and considering the feelings by which I am animated towards many illustrious repre- sentatives of both administrations. It must be perceived that however difficult it may be, to suffer injustice in silence when it appears so easy (in theory) “ to speak out ” such a thing (in practice) may however be impossible to many. Finding that Mr. Sicotte was not likely to return from England before the end of January, and in the hopes of ar- B 34 riving at some conclusion with. Government, and that they might be disposed to place the wine question, in a prominent position before the country, for as a picture becomes more attractive from the beauty of its frame, so would a vinegard from the nature of its “ entourage and from its facilities of inspection. I addressed a letter to the Honorable the Provincial Secretary, for the information of His Excellency the Gover- nor General, who was gratiously pleased to direct His Mi- nister of Agriculture and Statistics to report thereon. As no report was (from circumstances unnecessary to mention) likely to be furnished by the gentleman in question, I endeavoured to furnish one myself, for the information of the Executive Council, in the letter addressed to the Hono- rable Mr. Sicotte, that I now reproduce, although, I was aware that this Honorable Minister was absent from Quebec. Quebec, January the 15th 1863. The Honorable L. V. Sicotte, Premier for Lower Canada^ S^c. My Dear Sir, After your departure, I appealed personally to the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, praying for an answer to my report, and shewing him that I had been under considerable ex- pense, not only in cultivating the wild grape, but actually in bringing the grape into town, and making the Wine, in such a manner as to prove its identity. I only received as answer, that he, (the Hon. Minister), knew nothing about it. I have, since then, made application to the Provincial Secretary, for the information of His Excellency the Gover- nor General, who has been pleased to direct that the Minis- ter of Agriculture might report on my demand. I have now the honor to present you with samples of "Wine, furnished by the cultivated "Wild Grape, and am 35 persuaded that, making allowance for the grem f taste, which it possesses, incommon with almost all new wines, you will consider it equal to ordihary Burgundy, which it ressembles, not onlydn flavor, but in its qualities and color. The Fact of having produced a wine, will, I presume, show the correctness of my theories. As to the quality of Wine, allow me to declare it to be a question of Agricultural Experience, and such is indeed the reason why private enterprise, cannot be expected to undertake the expenses of experience, which can not by any means remain a privilege. I quote the Count de Gasperin, Vol., 4th, pages 616, 617 and 618, as authority : — “ The nature and quality of the Wine that is desired to be made, must above all be arranged by a choice of plants. Chemical analyzationhas not been able to indicate qualities, it is therefore to agricultural experience alone that we must adress ourselves for the knowledge required. If the variety of Wine desired exists near us we can accept it. It ^ will be sufficient, in that case, to consult the best produ- “ cers, and conform to their practice in proportioning the “ different varieties of Wines, that united in a vineyard, produce the commercial article in question. If you plant “ a vineyard with the intention of procuring ordinary table Wines, not of the flrst qualities, you must associate an abundant vine to one of a higher quality. “ All Vines of the flrst qualities have the distinctive character of producing spirituous Wines, and in small “ qiLantities. “ Vines that produce in great abundance, are generally inferior in quality. Thus, the “ Pinot ” gives 0-10 of “ Alcohol with a produce of * 20 hectolitres the acre, “the Gamais” 0-038 alcohol, with 160 hectolitres; the “ Gouais,” 0-032 alcohol, with 240 hectolitres, and the “Ara- “ mon ” still less of alcohol, with five hundred hectolitres + Is always a guaranty of value. “Agriculture Pratique,” vol. 2, page 665. * A hundred quarts. 36 ** production. You should consider a certain balance in the ** proportion of plants, so that in table Wines the quantity “ may recompense the quality. If your Wine is too sweet, and wants ferment, correct “ it by planting Vines that posses contrary qualities, and give “ dry Wines. If there is want of spirit, remedy it, in like manner. “ If abundant in sediment, or likely to turn into « vinegar, supply the deficit by planting Vines possessing a “ ^eat deal of Tanning. “ And in the association of plants, it is not mly neces- “ sary to calculate the taste required, but also the degree of colour preferable to consumers. ” The cultivated Wild Grape that produced the samples submitted for your examination, fiowered on the 3rd of June, coloured on the 1st of August, and was ripe on the 28th of September. In Burgundy, the Vine flowers on the 11th of June, colours on the 15th of August, and ripens late in October. The /