VITICULTURE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1262, 7 May 1896, Page 18

VITICULTURE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I read with much interest hi the columns of your valued paper an article on " Cultivation of the vine in New Zealand," by Mr 11. Lowcay, recently from tho Cape. It stems to mo that since tho vine does grow to perfection in the open air in the Colony, and that wines of good quality have already been made from them, 111'.- prospect of opening out this branch of industry is very encouraging. Has not the lime arrived for the Government to do the needful in order to foster viticulture in this country, and to encourage and assist in every way all those who may bo desirous of cultivating the vine ? I. for one would bo ready to start a vineyard, and i know of several small farmers who would be glad to go in for vine growing providing we receive from the Department of Agriculture proper encouragement and are initiated in the mode of planting, pruning and, in fact, in the general cultivation of the vine. For some time, of course, wo would also be dependent on that department for the selection and distribution of the varieties of vine cuttings most suitable to our soil and climate. When Mr Lowcay visited us ho favoured us with a very interesting description of the work which has to be carried out from the planting of the cutting.-, to the time flu; grapes are ripe and ready for tho fermenting cellar. Apologising for trespassing on your valuable space,—l am, Ac, Fred J. Caudwele, ■ Agriculturist. To ArohaWest, Auckland,' April I'.nth, 180(3.