noted; so that what was once a rich, porous, and expensive border, has become entirely 

 unsuitcd to the growth of the vine. This error has been adopted very unwittinglj^ from 

 the effervescent recipes of some blue-aproned bragadocio! No sir, we have a climate of 

 our own; let us think for ourselves; let us Americanise our handy work, as you have done 

 Landscape Gardening and Architecture, and though we cannot expect the critical approv- 

 al of some learned plebians, wc may at least show that our reflective organs are not dis- 

 eased. 



Give an artificial vine border a dry bottom ; if natui-ally sandy or gravelly that is 

 enough, but if not make it so. Go down two feet, not more, (less will do;) fill in nine 

 to twelve inches of stones, bricks, coal ashes, clinkers, or any such material, inclining the 

 bottom to a point or points from whence there are permanent drains to carry off the mois- 

 ture — having prepai-ed a comj)ost of four parts sod or loam taken from the surface, (not 

 going deeper than four inches) — one part street manure or sweepings from large towns, 

 and one part thoroughly rotted stable-manure, all well mixed four or six months previous 

 to using it. If 03'ster shells or charcoal is convenient, a few loads will prove beneficial in 

 keeping open the soil; take fair weather to fill up the border, raising it above the level at 

 least twelve inches. Time will take down much soluble matter amongst the dry material 

 in the bottom, at which the roots will, at their own pleasure, ramble and luxuriate for 

 half a century. Give j'earl}"-, a light top-dressing of manure, or use freely in the growing 

 season, liquid manure, or Guano water, till the fruit begins to color, but not later. 



AVe hear some who have never tried it already say, that such a vine border is too poor 

 and too shallow; that the plants will be weak, and the summer suns, will dry them up. 

 To such we reply, friend, you are " verdant" — what is j^our idea.' "A border four feet 

 deep, drained, concreted, bury the whole animal, (silver dollars too,) and asphalt it to 

 keep down the ammonia." Such sir, is the last and newest idea of this electrical age on 

 grape vine borders. K. Buist. 



PJiiladtlj/liia, RoseduU Nurseries, Jan. A, 1S51. 



As the foregoing, from one of the most experienced horticulturists in the country, will 

 probably wake up a rejoinder from the other side, we shall reserve what we have to say 

 on this subject, till the " summing up." Ed. 



THE INFLUENCE OF WATER ON VEGETATION. 



BY WILLIAM .SAUiXDERS, BALTIMORE. 



If I were asked the question, " What point do you consider of most importance in the 

 management of plants?" I would unhesitatingly answer, the application of water; and I 

 believe the answer would be endorsed by all whose experience and observation makes 

 their opinion worthy of notice. It matters not what soil a plant is growing in — how it is 

 situated with regard to temperature or light; if negligentl}^ or unskilfuU}^ supplied with 

 moisture, it cannot thrive; and I feel warranted in saying that there are more failures in 

 plant cultivation, occasioned by the improper use of this liquid, than bj'^ any other cause. 



In treating on matters relating to the cultivation of plants, it is difficult to lay down 

 definite rules that will suit all cases alike; neither will any amount of explanatory infor- 

 mation compensate for want of that discriminating knowledge obtained through praclite 

 perience. There is abundant proof of this in the many conflicting opinions given 

 the same subject by different persons, opinions which frequently appear diametrical- 



