CULTURAL METHODS FOR THE GRAPE IN NEW YORK 1275 



of that soil as regards texture, drainage, and fertility, and the 

 possibility of washing. It is true that certain varieties exhibit 

 a soil preference, but most commercial varieties will thrive on the 

 many types. 



Drainage 



The first essential is that there be good drainage. The culti- 

 vated grape does not thrive with its roots continuously in water, 

 although it may be more tolerant in this respect than most fruits. 

 A natural conclusion prevails that sloping land is well drained; 

 yet this is not always true. Especially if the soil is shallow, an 

 impervious rock, or hardpan, below may form basins, or " kettle 

 holes/' in which water is retained; the soil becomes saturated 

 since the water must rise to the surface to escape. Under such 

 conditions, a slope is just as water-logged and as poorly drained 

 as a lowland area. If the drainage is not good, the field should 

 be tiled. 



Preparation of Soil 



In the preparation of the soil for setting to a vineyard, the 

 grower should exercise the greatest care. It is poor policy to set 

 vines in carelessly prepared soil. A little care before setting will 

 p;iy for itself many times over. As a general rule it is poor 

 practice to set to grapes land that has just been in vineyard, with- 

 out putting under a good green manure two or three times in suc- 

 cession before planting. When it is desired to reset land where 

 vineyards have been pulled out, hairy vetch or mammoth clover 

 in August should be sown and plowed under just before blossom- 

 ing time in the following summer. If in the following spring 

 the land is again seeded to vetch or clover and plowed under, it 

 will then be ready for planting. This is likewise an excellent 

 practice preparatory to the setting of a new vineyard. Deep 

 plowing, thorough dragging, and rolling, combined with green 

 manuring, puts the soil in the best of tilth and, once in good tilth, 

 it is far easier to maintain than without such thorough prepara- 

 tion. 



In fitting the field, preparatory to planting, plow as deeply as 

 possible, with a two-horse plow, into lands eight or nine feet wide, 

 the width depending on the distance apart which the rows are 

 to be. This will leave dead furrows eight or nine feet apart. 



