I received the following from Dr. F. B. Houoh, of the State Department, and as it is probably the earliest record we have of a premium for Grape-culture, I doubt not it will be interesting to your readers. B P. Johnson.- State Agricultural Rooms, Albany, N. Y.

"B. P. Johnson, Sec'y State Ag'l Soc'y - It is highly probable that the following is the earliest bounty offered for the cultivation of the Grape and the manufacture of wine, within the limits of the present State of New York. It is copied verbatim et literatim from a record in the office of the Secretary of State, at Albany. From its date it will be seen that the premium was offered in the first year of the English Colonial Government of New York. It is recorded in Deeds, VoL. II, Page 87. Franklin B. Hough. - Albany, N. Y"

"Whereas Paul Richards an inhabitant of this Citty of New York hath made knowne onto mee his intent to plant vines at a certaine Plantation that hee hath upon Long Island, called the little ffiefe, which if it succeed, may redound very much to the future benefitt and advantage of the inhabitants within this Government; and in regard, it will require much labour and a considerable charge to provide vines and to p'pare the ground and make it fitt for production of wines; ffor an Encouragemt. to the said Paul Richards in his proceedings therein, I have thought fitt to grant unto him these following priveledges (viz).

"That all wines of the growth of such vines as the said Paul Richards shall plant, or cause to bee planted at the place aforesaid, shall bee ffree from any kind of impositions for ever if sold in grosse, and not by retaile:

"That the said Paul Richards, his heirs, executors, or assignee shall have the priveledge to have such wines sold by retaile in any one house in New York for the term of thirty years to come, from the time of selling of his wines, ffree from all imposts or excise:

"That every person that shall hereafter for thirty years to come, plant vines in any place within this Government, shall upon the yeares improvement pay unto the said Paul Richards, his heirs, executors or assigns, five shillings for every acre so planted as an acknowledgement of his being the first undertaker and planter of vines in these parts, ffor the confirmacon of the priv-eledges above specified. I have hereunto put my hand and scale.

" Given at ffort James in New York this 10th day of January, 1669.

RIC. NICOLLS," (first English Governor.)