Grape-Growing, in most parts of our country, is at present in a state of extreme depression and neglect; and the time is probably not distant, if it does not already exist, when there will be a scarcity of grapes in the land.

The causes which have led to this state of affairs, are not difficult to determine; and may be regarded as only a natural result of the undue and unreasonable exaltation of this important interest a few years ago. What has been, not inaptly, termed the " grape-fever" prevailed most extensively; and among nearly all classes of landholders the high road to fortune was thought to lead directly through the vineyard. Consequently, large areas were planted with grape-vines - in many cases, in soils and situations wholly unsuited to their culture; in others, with varieties not adapted to their several localities; and in others still, where, although the natural conditions may have been favorable, the requisite knowledge and skill were wanting to insure success.

Advantage was also taken of the popular enthusiasm by interested parties, to recommend and extol new and untried varieties as suited to universal culture, which proved to be either valueless, or extremely limited in their adaptation. The consequences of this indiscriminate and inconsiderate course were inevitable. Failure, and consequent disgust cooled the ardor, and extinguished the brilliant anticipations of thousands, who learned, by sad experience, that intelligent and skillful industry were as necessary to success in grape-growing, as in other pursuits.

It is perhaps unnecessary to pursue this branch of the subject farther; but I wish here to express the confident belief, that, notwithstanding past discouragements, and present depression, there is a future for grape-growing in America as grand as was ever dreamed of by the most excited enthusiast, when success shall be as distinguished as our failures have been ignominious - and when every man may not only sit under the shadow of his own vine, but may rejoice in the enjoyment of its refreshing fruit and generous juice, which we are assured were given to make his heart glad.

I believe this, because I believe in the unlimited capabilities of my country, and in the indomitable and irrepressible energies of the American people. With every variety of soil and climate, her mountains and hill-sides, her rich valleys, her fertile and almost boundless prairies, the genial banks of her lakes and rivers, all that is wanting is the judicious selection of varieties suited to the various localities, followed by intelligent and persistent industry, to make America the vineyard of the world! And if we have not now the proper varieties for every clime where the vine will flourish, between the sunny south and the frozen north, we will produce them. Then will the labors of Rogers, Arnold, Underhill, Rick-etts, Wylie, and others, both north and south, in the production of new varieties by hybridizing, be recognized and appreciated by every cultivator and lover of delicious grapes.

It is doubtless idle to expect that any one variety of remarkable excellence will ever be found, which will be suited to all localities in our wide-spread and varied country. Perhaps the nearest approach to this, yet discovered, exists in that hardy child of Massachusetts, the Concord. From her descendants, produced by a judicious crossing with the finer foreign varieties, we may confidently expect the most valuable and important results. Next, although inferior in quality, may be named the scarcely less rugged Hartford Prolific, from Connecticut. In the same class may be found the

Ives, from Ohio; Martha and Telegraph, from Pennsylvania; and Belvidere, from Illinois. In the way of improvement in this class of hardy natives, I will mention a new variety, from Zanesville, named Lady, specimens of which are, for the first time, on the tables of the society. It is a pure Concord seedling; and in habit of growth and foliage, scarcely distinguishable from its parent. From three years' observation, I should say it is its equal in vigor, health and hardiness. Color light green - would be called white - bunch rather less than Concord; size of berries fully equal. In quality rich and delicate, without hard pulp, and scarcely a trace of foxiness. Ripens very early - ten days or more before Concord. It is apparently a most promising, perfectly hardy and healthy, white grape; and I think it will hereafter hold a prominent position among the most popular hardy native grapes.

With a passing notice of the favorite little Delaware, I will leave the discussion of particular varieties: The discovery and introduction of this grape marked an era in American grape-culture; and it has perhaps done more to educate and elevate the public taste, as to the quality and excellence attainable in our native grapes, than any other circumstance. And to its influence may be attributed, in a large degree, the mania for grape-culture, which pervaded the country a few years since. And although it must be confessed that the Delaware has disappointed many of its admirers, by reason of apparent caprice and coquettishness, others who have studied its wants and requirements, and learned that it will endure neither estrangement nor neglect, find it still all that can be desired - always charming, fruitful and reliable. The greatest fault of the Delaware, and indeed almost its only one, is a delicacy or tenderness of foliage which renders it unable to resist the attacks of oidium, or mildew of the foliage, in seasons and localities where that malady prevails.

The attention of hybridizers and grapegrowers has been for years directed to the production of varieties having the excellencies of the Delaware combined with stronger foliage, capable of resisting the attacks of disease. That complete success in this direction will be ultimately reached, if indeed it has not already been attained, I have no reasonable doubt. And an experience of near twenty years, in experimenting upon the capabilities and possibilities of improvement of the American* grape, by hybridizing, forms the ground of this confidence.