i88i.] THE IMPORTANCE OE ROOT INSPECTION. 571 



border at once, the Vine, after planting, seldom or never undergoes 

 any systematic inspection. The consequence is, that in place of the 

 roots being kept near the surface, they too often go the reverse way, 

 while those produced are of long, fibreless, unripened material. 

 Under the more protracted system, we have the roots constantly 

 under control, at least for the first three years. The direction of the 

 roots can be easily ascertained, and those destitute of fibre at once 

 brought under treatment, thus giving a freedom of access to the 

 whole border. As each part of compost is added to the border, it at 

 once imparts new vitality to the whole, — for the reason that each 

 addition of compost must be much more fully charged with life-giving 

 qualities than if it had been a soddened mass in the almost unoccupied 

 border. Another advantage of not less importance is the longer time 

 that is given for the completion of the whole, thus giving a better 

 chance for the drawing together of a more suitable compost. Such an 

 advantage will be a special benefit to those whose resources in this 

 direction are somewhat limited. We seldom, however, fully realise 

 the importance of root-inspection until the plague of " shanking" has 

 to be fairly faced. Such a condition plainly indicates an unhealthy 

 root-action. This can often be prevented by careful surface-dressing, 

 with the object of checking downward growth and drawing the roots 

 more to the surface. Before surfacing, all loose soil should be removed 

 down to the roots, when they may be carefully examined. If it is then 

 found that they are in a very unhealthy condition, the best plan would 

 be to make preparations for renewing the borders. Supposing the 

 Vines are planted both inside and out, it will be best to renew one 

 half one year and the other half the following season, thus doing the 

 work in sections, which would be more convenient as well as effective. 

 The almost incessant rains of the winter months make the outside 

 protection of Vine-borders an urgent necessity, whether they be in- 

 tended for early or late work. Essential as inspection is for the right 

 development of root-action, we must claim an equal position for pro- 

 tection as a preservative of the work done. Many kinds of material 

 have been recommended for the purpose : corrugated iron is perhaps 

 preferable, owing to its durability, and the ease with which rain finds 

 its way down the corrugated surface. In Peach and Nectarine culture 

 root-inspection is at times necessary, in order to keep under gross 

 growth. In doing so, a trench should be taken out beyond where the 

 roots are likely to have reached, and then commence carefully to lift 

 the roots up to the bole of the tree. If considered necessary, the roots 

 should be carefully examined as the process goes on, and those much 

 larger than others, or likely to take the lead, should be cut back. 

 They may then be relaid upon a layer of fresh loam, with another coat- 

 ing on the top, and the whole made fairly firm. The best season of 

 the year for this operation is when the leaves are about ready to fall, 

 so that no check may be given to the ripening of the wood. 



