It will be evident from the preceding that the greatest discrimination is necessary in the selection of the variety for any particular region ; and from the knowledge at present at the vine-grower's command he can do no more than form an approximate opinion of the " cepage " likely to suit his locality best. It is recommended, therefore, that new planters, before starting their vineyards, should care- fully observe what varieties are giving the best results at any neighbouring vineyards ; if some appear to be doing better than others, they should stick to the successful kinds. And again, it is advisable that they should be chary of what plants other vine-growers extol, when perhaps the latter are in another part of the country altogether and under totally different conditions of climate and soil. Instead of com- mitting themselves to a large purchase, therefore, they should plant a selection of several varieties, and find out those which are the most suitable, THE GROWING OF THE GRAPE — THE PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. It is not ray purpose to enter fully into the entire sub- ject of grape-growing, for that is too extensive to be dealt with here ; nevertheless, there are raany points about it of Australian concern, over which there has been considerable discussion. This shows that our vignerons, instead of placidly following out old lines, are determined to find out for themselves the methods which will give the best results. That such a spirit is in active existence is unquestionably a source of satisfaction to those who have the welfare of Australian viticulture at heart, for it is only by a deter- mination to find out the best course to be pursued in the many points connected with grape-growing, and more espe- cially with wine-making, that we can hope to reach per- fection. AUSTRALIAN WINE. 193 And although we have the climate, and the soil, and everything in our favour, yet it must be recollected that there are vignerons of the very highest excellence in the old wine-making countries, and that it will only be by sur- passing them that we can hope to secure the markets of the world. As I have already said, my own belief is that the best way of infusing vigour into our wine-making industry is to arouse public interest in the subject ; and with that object in view, therefore, I shall endeavour to bring forward tho^ matters which are of Australian viticultural importance. Even at the outset we come against a disputed point, about which there has been, and is still, considerable diversity of opinion. It is to what depth the ground should be cultivated. On the one hand, there are some who affirm that a shallow depth of 8 or 9 inches, or even of 6 inches, is quite a sufficient penetration of the soil for most land ; but, on the other, there are many who, while conceding the fact that a superficial cultivation like this may be successful for a few years, are strongly opinioned that a deeper working is eventually necessary. More than this, they contend that, even admitting good results were obtained by simple ploughing, yet they would have been still better with a deeper working. It would seem, how- ever, that climate has a good deal to do with the matter. In the hot districts the vine attains a far greater develop- ment than in the cooler parts, and the roots require a deep soil.

AI-modernized reading of the original text

It will be evident from the preceding that the greatest discrimination is necessary in the selection of the variety for any particular region ; and from the knowledge at present at the vine-grower's command he can do no more than form an approximate opinion of the " cepage " likely to suit his locality best. It is recommended, therefore, that new planters, before starting their vineyards, should carefully observe what varieties are giving the best results at any neighbouring vineyards ; if some appear to be doing better than others, they should stick to the successful kinds. And again, it is advisable that they should be chary of what plants other vine-growers extol, when perhaps the latter are in another part of the country altogether and under totally different conditions of climate and soil. Instead of committing themselves to a large purchase, therefore, they should plant a selection of several varieties, and find out those which are the most suitable, THE GROWING OF THE GRAPE — THE PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. It is not my purpose to enter fully into the entire subject of grape-growing, for that is too extensive to be dealt with here ; nevertheless, there are many points about it of Australian concern, over which there has been considerable discussion. This shows that our vignerons, instead of placidly following out old lines, are determined to find out for themselves the methods which will give the best results. That such a spirit is in active existence is unquestionably a source of satisfaction to those who have the welfare of Australian viticulture at heart, for it is only by a determination to find out the best course to be pursued in the many points connected with grape-growing, and more especially with wine-making, that we can hope to reach perfection. And although we have the climate, and the soil, and everything in our favour, yet it must be recollected that there are vignerons of the very highest excellence in the old wine-making countries, and that it will only be by surpassing them that we can hope to secure the markets of the world. As I have already said, my own belief is that the best way of infusing vigour into our wine-making industry is to arouse public interest in the subject ; and with that object in view, therefore, I shall endeavour to bring forward those matters which are of Australian viticultural importance. Even at the outset we come against a disputed point, about which there has been, and is still, considerable diversity of opinion. It is to what depth the ground should be cultivated. On the one hand, there are some who affirm that a shallow depth of 8 or 9 inches, or even of 6 inches, is quite a sufficient penetration of the soil for most land ; but, on the other, there are many who, while conceding the fact that a superficial cultivation like this may be successful for a few years, are strongly opinioned that a deeper working is eventually necessary. More than this, they contend that, even admitting good results were obtained by simple ploughing, yet they would have been still better with a deeper working. It would seem, however, that climate has a good deal to do with the matter. In the hot districts the vine attains a far greater development than in the cooler parts, and the roots require a deep soil.

The art of living in Australia