28 TOP-DRESSING VINE BORDERS. 



accomplishing this renewal, is to have ripe the fruit the Vines may be 

 producing in time for the operation to be performed sufficiently early 

 to get the roots in action in the new soil before the end of the season. 

 This is the great end to be achieved. The mere renewal of the soil 

 is easily performed. 



As soon, therefore, as the fruit may be cut, whilst the leaves are yet 

 fresh and green, say, about the end of July, commence by clearing 

 away the old soil, tracing out carefully all the roots that may be 

 found ; these must be shaded and protected from the sun, and, 

 moreover, frequently syringed to keep them moist. Then make up 

 the border with fresh soil as already recommended, and carefully 

 replant the roots as soon as possible. Much depends upon the time 

 taken up in doing this, as the Vine roots suffer much if kept long out 

 of the soil ; but if proper care be taken, a few days under these 

 conditions will not cause them material injury. 



If the roots have been much interfered with, it is necessary to 

 completely shade the Vines at this time, and to maintain about them 

 a close, warm, genial atmosphere ; that is, the atmosphere of the 

 house must be completely saturated with moisture and the Vines 

 frequently syringed, so as to cause them to commence active growth 

 again. When this is accomplished, the roots will also be getting 

 established, and after about a month or so, the ordinary treatment 

 may be resumed. 



Another mode of renewal often adopted, where the roots exist 

 partly in the inside and partly in the outside border, is to entirely 

 renew the inside one season, and the outside the following. The roots 

 in this case may be considerably shortened. Some daring cultivators 

 will also partially renew a Vine border by boldly clearing away 

 a certain portion, roots and all, and refilling the space with fresh soil. 



The commonest practice, however, is to clear away as much of the 

 top-soil as possible, laying the roots bare, and then adding fresh soil. 

 This, in a lesser degree, would be called Top-dressing. The 

 top-dressing material should consist of good loam, and be rather 

 richer than that recommended for the formation of the border (see 

 Manures, p. 21). Any depth of this may be applied, and if properly 

 attended to in regard to moisture, the roots will soon permeate 

 through the entire mass, and great benefit will be derived by the 

 Vines. All these partial renewals may be effected during the autumn, 

 or when the Vines may be said to be at rest. 



