260 FORMATION OP VINE-BORDERS. 



pots usually producing from fifteen to twenty spikes of the most 

 fascinating colours ; and whether placed on stands amongst the 

 foliage of the conservatory plants, or plunged in vases or baskets 

 of moss and lichen, the effect is gorgeous and pleasing. Liquid 

 manure is frequently administered during the period of growth, 

 and when the plants have done flowering they are removed to the 

 open air for the purpose of perfecting the process of vegetation. 

 So soon as the foliage shows symptoms of decay water is gra- 

 dually withheld, and the pots are finally laid on their sides in a 

 shady situation, in order to moderate the action of light and 

 moisture on tlie roots whilst in a state of repose. 



XXIX. — On the Formation of Vine- Borders. By G. Fleming, 



CM, U.S., Gardener to the Duke of Sutherland, F.H.S., at 



Trenthara. 



(Commuuicated August 1, 1848.) 

 KnowinGt the great disappointment which has been experienced 

 in forming vine-borders for early spring forcing, I beg to give a 

 plan and description of one which I have found to answer 

 admirably, hoping that it may prove interesting and serviceable to 

 some of your readers. 



I shall begin by premising that, in order to secure a good crop 

 of well-coloured highly flavoured grapes in the latter end of 

 February and the month of March, it is necessary to have the 

 vines thoroughly established in a border containing a substantial 

 but not over rich soil, and which is placed under perfect control 

 as regards heat and moisture, a thing absolutely indispensable to 

 ensure success. 



It will scarcely be necessary to enforce the truth of this 

 assumption by argument, as it is unreasonable to expect that a 

 healthy co-operation Avill go on between the roots and branches 

 if the former are confined in a border exposed to the cold and 

 wet of our winter months, and the latter surrounded by the warm 

 moist atmosphere of a forcing-house. 



In order to secure a proper amount of warmth in the soil, and 

 to prevent an excess of moisture in cold situations, all com- 

 munication with the subsoil should be cut off, the surface should 

 be protected from rain and snow by some covering which may be 

 easily and speedily removed, and the necessary amount of heat 

 shoukl be supplied from beneath. This is much more effectual 

 as well as more economical than when it is applied to the sur- 

 face : in this case, heat having a natural tendency to ascend, it 

 rises into the soil antl distributes itself amongst the roots; in tiie 

 other a great portion of it escapes into the atmosphere and is lost. 



