392 Grapes. 



arms on opposite sides. This mode appears to succeed well, and is 

 regarded as simpler than the other. Another mode is what is termed 

 the Thomery system, and is represented in the foregoing figure 

 (Fig. 435). Its object is to cover a higher trellis where the ground 

 is limited, or to extend the vine over the walls of buildings. It 

 obviates the difficulty of two or more horizontal arms, one above the 

 other, on the same vine, by allowing but a single arm from each, as 

 will be seen by inspecting the figure (Fig. 435). Double the number 

 of vines are planted along the trellis, and every alternate one carried 

 up to the second tier. A greater number of vines may be planted, 

 and the trellis raised to a corresponding degree. 



SOIL FOR VINEYARDS. 



The long established practice of highly enriching the deep vine 

 borders of exotic grape-houses, formerly misled some cultivators 

 into the practice of heavily manuring the ground intended for vine- 

 yards of hardy American varieties. It is now fully proved that land, 

 of moderate fertility is much better. Rich soils produce a strong 

 growth of canes and leaves, at the expense of the fruit, and render 

 the wood more liable to winter-killing. A considerable proportion 

 of clay in the soil, provided there is a perfe6t under-drainage, is bet- 

 ter than light sand or gravel. The most successful vineyards are 

 planted along the borders of large open waters, where the soil is 

 composed of what is termed drift giving a perfect natural drainage. 

 The south shore of Lake Erie, from Dunkirk to Sandusky, extend- 

 ing a few miles inland, and the borders of Crooked Lake, in Western 

 New York, have proved to be admirably adapted to vineyard cul- 

 ture ; and other places in proximity to open water, away from fre- 

 quent fogs, and with a loose or shelly soil, will doubtless be found 

 equally good. While such localities as these should be sought for 

 extended or market cultivation, in nearly every portion of the coun- 

 try vines for a family supply may be raised, by proper under-drain- 

 age, and the selection of hardy or productive sorts. 



At the same time that moderate fertility is to be sought, constant 

 cultivation must be given through the growing season. The best 

 managers pass the cultivator once a week. 



The slow-growing varieties, such as the Delaware, should have a 

 richer soil than more rapid growers. Grapes on highly manured 

 land will grow larger, and present a more showy appearance but 

 the fruit at the same time will be more watery, and of inferior 

 flavor. 



