25* 



THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



is also suitable for grape production, and its mechanical texture is often better than 

 borders formed of turf. The subjoined table shows the composition of soils suited 

 to the wood of vines, also the skins and stones of grapes. 



* Containing nitrogen 

 Equal to ammonia 



160 

 180 



170 

 210 



Loam for vine borders should be yellowish, with a brown crust caused by humus 

 and the oxidation of the iron ; such soil is found on limestone. Loams from the Old 

 Ked Sandstone and the New Eed Sandstone give healthy vines which continue fruitful 

 over a longer period. Such soils must not be too light, nor too heavy, but of medium 

 texture. Take a small handful and squeeze it when moderately dry ; if it fall like 

 powder when the pressure is relaxed it is too sandy ; if it squeeze into a plastic mass, 

 and does not fall when the ball is gently pressed on the apex, but becomes indented 

 by the fingers and retains its form, the soil is too clayey ; but if the handful so squeezed 

 preserves its ball-like form, yet crumbles when gently pressed, the soil is of medium 

 texture. If too clayey, add old mortar, brick rubbish or burned clay ; if too sandy, 

 supply the necessary amount of pounded clay. When calcareous matter is deficient, mix 

 chalk with light, and calcareous gravel with heavy, soil. 



Of the ingredients usually added to turf in preparing a compost for vines a brief 

 review may be useful. 1, Fresh horse-droppings stimulate root activity when decaying, 

 supply humus and leave interstices for air. Large quantities of stable or farmyard 

 manure tend to foster fungi when dry and cause an excess of moisture when wet a 

 close, soapy, inert mass. 2, Lime rubbish acts mechanically and chemically, by keeping 



