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Front Royal Va. Decemb. 18. 1867

Jno. B. Minor Esq.

Dear Sir,

Your favour of the 16th inst
covering several interrogatories upon the subject of grape [cultivation?]
was recd by mail of yesterday evening; and I take pleasure in responding
to the same as fully as my information upon that interest will allow.
Let one premise, by informing you that I am comparatively a new
beginner, and as yet have but a small patch, not deserving the name
of vineyard - My relative M. B. Buck Esq. who resides within a few miles
of this place has given much attention to the grape, and now has some 30 or
more acres devoted to them - and is preparing for enlarging his plantings.
A letter addressed to him, would receive his attention, and his opinions, being
more practical than mine, would be more valuable, and you might impli-
citly rely upon his statements - I take the liberty of sending you one of his
cards.-

For marketing - or selling by weight in boxes or bunches. I would name
the Concord, Hailford Prolific, [Catawba] & Ives - The roots of each
can be had at prices ranging from $250.00 to $300.00 pr thousand.

For Wine - Ives, Norton's Virginia, [Catawba] Delaware, Diana, Iowa,

There are many other varieties, which are recommended by their res-
pective friends, and are no doubt good grapes - but as yet, have not been
tested in our locality - The [Catawba, Ives, ] Concord, Norton's Va. have pro-
ven themselves - The Delaware which in one of the most popular grapes
for the table as well as for Wine - has not done so well here as some of the
others - It is a delicious grape, but considered tender & a delicate [bearer].

More attention is now being given to the Concords, Ives, [Catawabas?] &
Nortons Virginia - These are good enough for our purposes - The Iowa
may be added to the list, though as yet that grape has not fruited here.