An Ohio horticulturist, annoyed at the severe criticisms of foreign connossieurs on American wines, without an attempt at careful judgment, sent samples of sufficient numbers of varieties of wines raised and made in his neighborhood, to a place in Eastern Germany, where usually choice Rhine, Moselle, and Frankish wines are drank, better than are used even on the Rhine itself, and where the decision would not be biased by local preferences. The specimens shipped, were served up at a fete in Silesia, and was attended almost exclusively by men of eminent culture and standing, enjoying the best opportunities to know and pronounce upon these gifts of Bacchus. Excellent and indisputably genuine samples of German and French wines were at hand for the purpose of comparison.

The following is the conclusion reached : - "We have nothing to say of your White wines. It may be that they were bottled too early, or damaged by the heat in transportation, and may, therefore, have a better taste there (in America) than here; but to us, notwithstanding their strength, they seem vapid, and sour besides.

"The Ives Seedling has a peculiar, too spicy taste, and is, therefore, not adapted for ordinary beverage. Yet it is a good wine, and perhaps to be recommended for medicinal purposes. It resembles certain kinds grown on the Grecian islands.

" The Virginia Seedling is an excellent quality, and already ranks even with petit Burgundian, and under a perfect treatment it may yet rival the best Burgundian.

"Your sparkling wine (Werk's Double Eagle) has astonished us. Some gave it a decided preference over the French on account of its natural bouquet, and because it has so much body".