RENOVATING OLD OR EXHAUSTED VINE BORDERS. 27 



with some fermenting material. It is, however, not necessary in 

 ordinary cases. The beneficial effects of the frost on the soil is well 

 known, and it is good practice to expose the soil of a Vine border 

 to its action as much as possible. For early forcing, a good covering 

 of dry leaves, or a continued supply of hot fermenting manure and 

 leaves is very beneficial, not only from its warding off cold rains, etc., 

 but from its keeping up the temperature of the border. For late and 

 general purposes, the border is better exposed to the full and free 

 action of the weather. 



Mulching. This is very necessary, not only as a means of enrich- 

 ment of the soil, but also for the prevention of evaporation, whereby 

 a greater and more constant degree of humidity is maintained. 

 Therefore, as soon as the Vines get into full leaf, a good dressing of 

 several inches of the best manure attainable should be applied, and 

 this should be renewed from time to time as required, until the 

 Grapes begin to colour. This dressing or mulching of manure induces 

 the emission of numerous surface-roots, and in poor soils is the chief 

 and best mode of supplying sustenance to the Vines. 



Watering. A great deal depends on the efficient manner in which 

 this operation is carried out. More Vines are ruined through want of 

 water, perhaps, than from any other cause. The quantity of water 

 which Vines require in well-drained borders is astonishing. They can 

 scarcely receive an over-supply during the growing season. Inside 

 borders require the most attention in respect to watering. Before the 

 Vines are started into growth, every particle of soil should be 

 thoroughly saturated, and from the time they come into leaf until the 

 ripening of the fruit, a frequent supply of manure- water should be 

 given. Outside as well as inside borders should receive constant 

 attention as to watering during the summer, but no special rules as to 

 time or quantity can be given, so much depending upon the nature of 

 the soil used, its composition and drainage. When the fruit is ripe, a 

 somewhat drier condition should be maintained, but it is not advisable 

 to allow the soil to become dry even then. 



Renovating Old or Exhausted Borders. Old and apparently worn- 

 out Vines are sometimes restored to comparative vigour by the 

 removal of the effete soil, and the supply of fresh material to the 

 roots ; it is often advisable to do this. The total renewal of a Vinery 

 Vines, border, and all, is not at all times expedient excepting in 

 large establishments, where other houses may supply the temporary 

 want ; it means the loss of a few years' crop of fruit, and this is rather 

 a serious matter. It is the fear of this loss, however little it may be, 

 that often prevents the adoption of any adequate means of improve- 

 ment ; but be it known to all concerned, that by careful and judicious 

 management, Vine-borders may be renewed entirely without any loss 

 whatever. If this fact were fully recognised, we might, as a conse- 

 quence, see fewer poor Grapes. One difficulty in the way of 



