22 FORMATION OF VINE BORDERS, MANURES. 



with mathematical precision. Analyses are, however, sometimes 

 misleading, as the soil may contain elements which, in certain 

 conditions, are valueless to the plants. 



In the formation of the Vine border, which is intended to be of a 

 permanent nature, the manures that may be used should be of a lasting 

 character, so that they will afford support to the Vines as long as 

 possible. For top-dressing, immediate action is desirable ; in which 

 case the manures should be readily available. 



Manures are of two classes : The organic those of vegetable or 

 animal origin ; and the inorganic those of mineral origin. Of organic 

 manures, that may be used for Grapes, the principal is that of stable 

 or farm-yard manure ; this has generally been recommended for mixing 

 with the soil in the formation of the border. It is objectionable, 

 however, on this account, that it very rapidly decays, and its influence 

 is soon exhausted. Some cultivators notably, Mr. Philip Ladds, 

 Bexley Heath use stable manure extensively, and secure heavy crops 

 for a few years. As a top-dressing, mixed with the soil or otherwise, 

 it is more especially valuable. Bones, as containing phosphate of lime, 

 constitute one of the best manurial ingredients for Vines ; they are 

 slow to decay, and so continue to give sustenance for many years. The 

 best size to use are those which are sold as half-inch ground bones, 

 large bones, such as are sometimes used, being of little use. Bone 

 meal, dissolved bones, and horn shavings are all valuable ingredients 

 of a similar character, presented in a more readily available form, and, 

 consequently, more immediately effective. Guano has also been used 

 with satisfactory results, but from its powerful nature, requires caution 

 in its application. The quantity of ammonia present in guano is its 

 chief value, ammonia being the source from which plants derive their 

 nitrogen. An excess of nitrogenous manure, it may be pointed out, 

 is likely to favour leaf growth rather than the formation of fruit, 

 but a proper admixture of nitrogenous and of mineral manures is 

 likely to be most advantageous if water be very liberally applied in 

 the growing season. 



Of inorganic or chemical manures, and which are also known as 

 " artificial " manures, it is only of recent years that they have come 

 much into use for Grapes ; some of the most successful growers now 

 use them largely, and with beneficial results. From the analysis of the 

 Vine, it is ascertained that potash forms one of its chief constituents. 

 Ville, the eminent French chemist, in his experiments, proved that 

 Grapes could not be grown without potash. Argal, or tartar, it may 

 be observed, is procured from the lees of Grapes. It is, therefore, easy 

 to arrive at the conclusion that what enters so largely into the consti- 

 tution of a plant, must, of necessity, be required by that plant in some 

 form or other. 



Potash manures are, therefore, of special value for Vines in all 

 cases where the soil is defective of this ingredient ; indirectly, potash 



