CULTIVATION OF THE VINE. 173 



action of a warm sun rapidly carries off the 

 strength of the manure. 



There are yet some among us who act more 

 absurdly, and in order to have their manure at 

 hand when the early spring work is most press- 

 ing, transport it even in the autumn into the 

 vineyard, there to remain during the whole 

 winter. 



The moral inculcated by the proverb, how- 

 ever applicable in most instances (of " taking 

 time by the forelock") is singularly pernicious 

 in its effects on this part of the vine dressing, as, 

 independently of the deterioration of quality 

 which the manure must experience from the 

 snows and rains of winter and spring, an inju- 

 rious influence is exercised on the vegetation of 

 the vines, for at least two succeeding seasons, 

 the vintages of which being ample testimony of 

 such indiscretion. The proprietor will have 

 cause to be satisfied, if he shall find the mischief 

 cured by the lapse of two succeeding years. 



I feel that I cannot in conscience tread lightly 

 on this pernicious custom. All manures are not 

 equally favourable. Different soils require dif- 

 ferent engrais. Some are productive of positive 

 injury, rather than benefit. For example, the 

 manure of horses, sheep, or goats, where not per- 

 fectly decomposed, or fully and completely rot- 

 ted, if applied in a dry season, especially to the 

 vines of a gravelly or sandy soil, exposes them 

 to an artificial drought, causing the vegetation to 

 be literally burnt, and inflicting a sensible loss on 

 the vintage, which is generally greater when the 

 season is dry. In such soils, the manure should 

 p 2 



