FOEMATION OF VINE-B0KDER3. 261 



It will be my endeavour to show that, by borders constructed 

 on tiie following- plan, this is quite practicable, and I also feel 

 convinced that it is comparatively inexpensive, as the material 

 employed to produce the heat is nothing more than fermenting' 

 manure, which, with the same end in view, is frequently laid on 

 the surface, where it is objectionable in well-kept places on 

 account of its unsiglitliness. I am aware that the expense of 

 forming' a vine-border on this plan is large; but as all difficulties 

 connected with a bad subsoil, and many others which a gardener 

 has frequently to contend with, are entirely removed, and as he 

 has a perfect control over circumstances, instead of having his 

 endeavours constantly thwarted by them, he, with proper skill, 

 is certain of success, which will amply repay the first outlay. 



Soil varies so much in different localities, that it is almost 

 superfluous to mention what I find to answer best for early forc- 

 ing ; but I am firmly of opinion that it should not be too rich for 

 this purpose. The soil used in making the border I am about to 

 describe consisted of light, rich, turfy loam from an old pasture, 

 mixed with some crushed bones and lime rubbish. When any 

 further stinuilant is considered necessary it is supplied in the 

 sliape of liquid manure. 



I believe the admission of the ammonia through the holes in 

 the arches amongst the roots, and through the pipes into the 

 house, to have a very beneficial effect upon the plants, particularly 

 when the young- leaves are expanding. 



The only trouble necessary with the border is to lay a coat of 

 dry fern upon it in September, and over the fern a tarpauling : 

 these remain on all the winter. 



This plan will recommend itself strongly to those who desire 

 to keep their gardens scrupulously neat, as there is nothing 

 unsightly in the tarpauling, and at a short distance it is scarcely 

 distinguishable from the natural soil ; the neat stone curbing also 

 and the Valencia slate-slabs form a clean and ornamental path 

 in frpnt of the houses. 



The bunches and berries attain a very large size in these 

 houses, but I am of opinion that moderate-sized bunches, except- 

 ing for the purposes of exhibition, are much more satisfactory 

 than very large ones, since the berries swell and colour better, 

 and the bunches retain their bloom more perfectly and look 

 better when dished up, keep up a supply longer, and when it is 

 necessary to send the supply to a distance, tliey travel infinitely 

 better : it will therefore be well to reduce the large bunches to a 

 moderate size. 



