L. Junius Moderatus Columella of Husbandry; In Twelve Books: And His Book Concerning Trees

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1745 edition. Excerpt: ... for a long time, unlefs it be approved by experiment; and Julius Gr&cinus fays, that, where many advantages of the country fhall invite us to plant a noble vine, we will inquire and look out for one that is generous. Where there is nothing at all, or not much, that may encourage and allure us, we will rather purfue and fearch after fruitful nefs, which, in the fame proportion, is not fo much excelled by the price, as it does excel by its abundance. But, concerning this opinion, tho' I myfelf, a little before, was of the fame mind, neverthelefs what my fecret judgment is, upon clofer confideration, I (hall prefently tell in its proper place; for I am refolved to teach after what manner vineyards may be conftituted equally fruitful, and productive alfo at the fame time of a precious liquor. Chap, nr, 'That there is nothing of greater Advantage, and more expedients for Huflandmen^ than to cultivate Vineyards. NOW, before I come to difcourfe of the plan ting of vines, I don't ' think it improper to lay, as a certain foundation for our future difputatipn, that we have before throughly weighed, and wifely confi- dered, whether the culture of vineyards will enrich a mafter of a family; for it is almoft to no purpofe to give directions about planting them, while that which is the chief point, and firft to be confidered, is not yet granted; viz. whether or not we ought to have any vines at all ? And this very many people are in fo great doubt of, that many avoid it, and are much afraid of employing their land in this manner, and think, that an eftate in meadows, pafturage, or copfes, is more to be defired and wifhed for; for, as to lands planted with trees for fupport- -• ing vines, there has been alfo no fmall difpute among authors,...