CHAPTER XVII. 



CRAPE CULTURE AND WINE MAKING. 



^THE CORNER STONES OF GRAPE CULTURE are 

 "; l|! underdraining, deep and thorough preparation of the 

 y^^. soil, horizontal training, and renewal pruning. Under- 

 ^(s draining has been already fully described. The subse- 

 quent operations are treated of in this Chapter. 



Vineyard Culture. The soil in which the grape will not 

 grow is hardly to be found. Limestone soils are best, as they 

 need the least preparation. A loose, friable soil, whether it be 

 sand, gravel, or loam, is rather to be chosen, than clay or muck, 

 although even these may be reclaimed. The situation should 

 be one protected from the north winds. This may be secured 

 by planting on the southern, eastern, or southeastern slope of a 

 hill ; or, if this cannot be secured, a belt of woods at the north 

 will answer the purpose; but where neither of these can be 

 had, a belt of evergreens should be planted across the northern 

 end of the vineyard, at least thirty feet from where the vines 

 are to stand. The valley of a small stream is unfavorable, 

 •while the valley of a large stream, or the vicinity of a large 

 body of water, is desirable. Whatever the situation, the soil 

 must be made perfectly dry and open by underdraining. 



The Preparation of the Soil is a matter of the utmost 

 importance, and it should be borne in mind that this is not an 



ordinary crop, and does not require an annual preparation, but 

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