A few weeks ago three hundred viticulturists of Napa County, California, met in Napa city, and held a convention that seems to have been highly interesting. They first discussed preparation of the ground, proper soil, etc. The hillsides were preferred by many, and the northern exposures often produced the best grapes. Among the varieties of wine-grapes recommended were those of the Rhenish, Burgundy, Medoc and Sauterne districts, including the Pinots Reislings, Verdor, San-vignon, Mallec, Semilon, etc. The Petit Pintor was excellent. The Mattereaux was hardy and made a good claret. The Lenoir was desirable for its coloring qualities. The Black Burgundy, Black Reisling and Chabronet are choice wines. There was a great deal of talk among the members on the subject of table-grapes, for shipment East. Last year table-grapes of the best quality brought $50 or $60 per ton, while wine grapes were only $25 or $30. The flame colored Tokay, and the Black Morocco were good shipping varieties. The white Tokay, and the Emperor were great favorites for this purpose. Among early grapes, the white St. Peter is notable. One gentleman reported obtaining eight tons to the acre from the second crop of this variety - and probably twelve tons from the first crop.

His vineyard is on the richest of soil, and is highly stimulated with bone dust and other fertilizers. The most important piece of work the convention did was to take up the subject of "unequal and unjust freights" on their wine. The grape-growers and wine-makers of the State say they are charged too much to carry their products to market. The attempt is being made to organize a union throughout California, to petition Congress, and to take proper legal steps to ascertain the rights of shippers.

Reports so far received, from various parts of California show that the viticultural industry is being organized in almost every county where vine yards thrive, and the local societies prosper, as a rule. The Riverside horticultural society, and those of Pasadena, Pomona and other points in the southern counties often discuss raisin-making, as well as the wine industry. The centers of the latter, in the South, are at Los Angeles and in San Gabriel valley. There is no wine, to speak of. made at Riverside or Pasadena. Anaheim is the wine colony, par excellence, of the southern counties. Napa county is the wine region of the central region, as Los Angeles is of the south.