1870.] THOUGHTS ABOUT GRAPE -GROWING. 153 



subsoil naturally suited to the Vine. And such being the case, it is 

 simply ridiculous to preach this extension system for universal prac- 

 tice. Besides, has it been proved that single-rods, 20 feet long, planted 

 4 feet apart, managed on the spur system, and not allowed to bear 

 fruit out of proportion to the space occupied by the foliage, would not 

 survive and do well, all other circumstances in soil and root-scope 

 being equal, for a similarly lengthened period 1 What of the longevity 

 of the old restricted Vine-stools on the Continent ? 



It has not been advanced — for a wonder — that Vines of such size, 

 with their roots occupying, it may be, a paddock, are suitable for any 

 other purpose than ripening their crops, almost without any fire-heat, 

 in August and September • while it is a well-known fact that a vast 

 proportion of single-rod Vines are started into growth under the most 

 artificial conditions in the dead of winter. More than this, it is a 

 well-known fact that such is the character of the natural soil of a vast 

 number of gardens, that it would be a misuse of hothouse room to 

 plant Vines without preparing both artificial sites and soils for their 

 growth. This fact renders unlimited root-extension impossible, so 

 that the borders under such circumstances are soon traversed, 

 outwardly especially, by the roots ; and I cannot suppose that such 

 limited scope is any more calculated for the long maintenance of a 

 monster Vine than for smaller ones, both of which may, however, by 

 good surface-management, live a long time, and bear fine Grapes, if 

 not forced very early. 



But apart from the scope afforded to roots, if the single-rod Vines, 

 planted 4 feet apart, were allowed to bear fruit in proportion to the 

 foliage, what quantity will they make every year in that space ? I do 

 not see that much is gained by allowing the Vines to make three rods 

 instead of one, and training them 2 feet and even 18 inches apart, as is 

 so often met with • while, if you let the single 20-feet long rod have 

 4 feet of space and unlimited run in good soil, why should it not live 

 as long as the monster Vine 1 We are told that Mr Meredith trains 

 his rods at 2 feet apart. I have never seen his Vines ; but this I 

 will predict, that if he persists in training them so close, whether 

 otherwise restricted or extended, his crops will go back. He may, 

 over his vast extent of glass, be able to cut here and there, near the 

 top, show bunches; but with such thick crowded training, his general 

 crop will not continue equal to what he has produced. Vines at 3, 

 and especially 4, feet apart will make far more permanent Vines, and 

 continue to yield finer crops, than when in closer quarters. In this I 

 am not referring to sensational Grape-growing, now made so much of, 

 but to good substantial family cropping, which is incompatible with 

 sensational Grape-growing. 



