CULTIVATION OF THE VINE. 



which is a plain, cuttings should be planted at 

 the depth of ten inches, and from twelve to four- 

 teen inches, where the vineyard was to occupy 

 the inclination of a hill. 



I have also observed that serious inconvenience 

 arises from packing or treading the earth too 

 closely around the foot of the plant, as the first 

 roots are fibrous and delicate, easily injured by 

 slight causes, and experience great difficulty in 

 pushing their way through the hard ungenial 

 soil, thus opposing their passage. 



Those who fill the hole around the cutting 

 with dust, or pulverized earth, can hardly flatter 

 themselves with success, as the fains after such 

 planting usually pack the soil so close around 

 the plant, as to crowd up the roots and prevent 

 their extension on either side. The method ap- 

 pearing to me to offer the most advantages is, 

 immediately after placing the cutting a proper 

 depth in the ground, to fill up the hole with 

 carefully worked mellow earth, letting it fall 

 lightly around the foot of the cutting, till the 

 hole be half full, then pouring over it a little 

 water, which will dissolve the fine earth, in such 

 a manner, as to cause it to adhere closely to the 

 cutting, and allow no vacant space near it, an in- 

 convenience prejudicial to the plant, that some- 

 times attends the other mode of planting.' The 

 loose soil allows the roots to push freely, and if 

 the planting should be succeeded by a dry season, 

 the cuttings suffer less by this than by any other 

 manner. But should the planting be succeeded 

 by continued rains, the cuttings are liable to suffer 

 much, and perhaps to perish altogether. Monsieur 



