172 TREATISE ON THE 



the manner of applying them, not merely with 

 the greatest advantage, but so as to avoid a 

 serious mischief, which indiscreet or unskilful 

 manuring frequently inflicts on the vineyard. 

 In this consideration, one of the important points 

 is, the period of the season at which the manure 

 is applied. It is the habit of the vignerons of 

 Switzerland to manure their vine grounds at 

 three different periods, namely, at the first work 

 of the spring, and immediately after the vintage 

 in the autumn, or during the second labour. All 

 are favourable, (though not alike so), provided 

 the ground be not too moist or wet, and the 

 weather reasonably dry. The autumn may be 

 considered, of the three periods, as that least fa- 

 vourable to success ; but it has this advantage, 

 that it is the season when the duties of agricul- 

 ture are less imperative, and the vigneron not 

 hurried or driven by the necessary work of his 

 grounds. The manure which decomposes best 

 when wet, should be turned under and com- 

 pletely covered ; and here let me observe that it 

 should by all means be well rotted. In turning 

 it under, care must be taken not to pack it in, or 

 tread it with the feet. Some of your vine dress- 

 ers have the habit of transporting the manure, 

 when a leisure moment allows, into the vine- 

 yard, and suffer it to remain in heaps a conside- 

 rable time before it is to be used. This practice 

 is altogether to be condemned. As to the ma- 

 nure itself, it is injudicious, as a singular altera- 

 tion in the quality of it is the consequence of an 

 exposure from day to day, and especially if suc- 

 ceeded by a dry time. Evaporation from the 



