446 VINE SOILS AND VINE MANURES. 



In the formation of the vine border, however, we cannot always 

 procure the soil we would like, and therefore we must use what we can 

 get. For choice, we should take the turfy loam of a sheep walk 

 skinned not more than four inches thick from the face of the rock, and 

 this so rich in fibrous matter as to form a complete mat of roots ; then 

 next to that we would take old turf from any dry elevated spot, the 

 conditions approaching those before described as nearly as possible; 

 and thirdly, we would take old turf from the bank of a river, always 

 premising that the fibre of the turf shall be thick and dense, and the 

 spot from which it is taken is high and dry, except at flood tides. In 

 point of quality, the loam should be what is called medium that 

 is, neither too light nor yet containing much clay, though the latter 

 element may be corrected by an additional admixture of lime-rubbish 

 and burnt earth at the time of forming the border. 



For a vine border to retain its active qualities for a long series of 

 years, light sandy soil should never be used ; for, though the vines 

 may maintain a strong and even luxuriant habit for seven or ten years, 

 they will generally, at the expiration of that time, begin to fail ; while 

 a border properly prepared from good sound loam will retain its in- 

 vigorating properties for a century or more. 



The soil selected, the next thing is to cart it home, and that should 

 be done either in the autumn before the rains set in, or otherwise 

 during the dry weather of April or May. In either case, convey it to 

 some convenient spot where it can be charred and laid up until it is 

 desired to form the border. 



When we speak of charring, we do not mean that operation to be 

 carried out in the full acceptation of the term ; but it is of the first 

 importance that the soil of a vine border should be submitted to 

 sufficient heat to destroy all insects and their ova that may be in it, 

 and also the roots of all perennial weeds. This will be best effected 

 by providing such garden refuse as old pea sticks, the prunings of 

 trees, roots, weeds, &c., and forming them into a conical heap, with 

 provision for lighting in the centre. These fire cones should be of 

 considerable size, say, not less than 4ft. in diameter at the base, and as 

 much in height, and they should also contain some large pieces of 

 wood, that will burn for some time, and throw out a strong heat. 

 These cones being provided, proceed to build up the turf over the 

 wood to the thickness of a foot or fifteen inches, packing it close to- 

 gether, but not breaking it any more than can be avoided. Then light 

 the fire, making a hole somewhere near the top of the cone for a 

 draught, and vents may be made in other parts of the heap with a 

 crowbar or similar implement, so as to cause the fire to spread regularly 

 through the mass. Let it, however, be thoroughly understood that 

 nothing more than a thorough heating of the soil is necessary, and 

 therefore the fire need not burn briskly, and fresh turf may be added 

 so long as it can be heated to the proper temperature. "When the fire 

 has subsided, pack the soil into a narrow ridge, so that it may be 

 exposed to atmospheric influences, but at the same time be protected 

 from heavy rain until such time as the border is to be formed. Then 



