zgz THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



plants first use up the stored matter in the stems, then push fresh rootlets, and imbibe 

 nourishment, which the leaves assimilate freely. If the rooting medium is cold or 

 unfavourable aerial roots are emitted from the rods and spurs. 



Borders composed of light, porous materials need water twice as often as do those of 

 medium texture, and these require water more frequently than does retentive soil. Shallow 

 and small borders require much more water than do those which are deep and large, 

 and its need or otherwise can only be determined by examination. The uninitiated 

 may dig three parts through the border with a trowel, feel the soil at different depths, 

 press a portion of it in the hand firmly, let it fall on firm ground, and if it crumble it 

 plainly needs water. Cultivators who have gained experience in that way are able to 

 judge of the moisture requirements of the border without disturbing it. With the 

 roots in full possession of the soil, water can scarcely be over- supplied to vines in well- 

 drained borders during the growing season. Those of small area and little depth, say, 

 15 inches, will need supplies once or twice a week, giving sufficient each time to pass 

 through the soil to the drainage. If moderately moist one or two 3-gallon waterpotfuls 

 to a square yard may suffice, but if dry twice the quantity will be required. 



Borders of medium area and depth, say 2 feet, and of a porous nature, will need 

 water at fortnightly intervals ; whilst those that are firm and retentive may require it 

 once in three weeks. Where the borders are large and deep it generally suffices to 

 commence watering when the vines are in full leaf, repeating at intervals of about six 

 weeks until the crop is ripe and the wood mature. Thus watering vine borders must be 

 governed by circumstances, including the weather. 



Early forced vines require less water than those started in March, because the 

 evaporation is less in winter than in summer. If started at the latter time the vines 

 require watering, as a rule, from the commencement of April at intervals of about three 

 weeks till the end of October, and it is desirable to have the borders moist during the 

 flowering of the vines and the ripening of the fruit, Water is seldom necessary while 

 the vines are at rest, but on no account must they be allowed to become dry when the 

 leaves are falling, or for some time afterwards, for the roots are then active. The crust 

 of a vine border should be broken up to the depth of 1 inch with a fork before applying 

 water, so that it may pass through the soil regularly. About 20 gallons of water per square 

 yard are needed to soak a border of very dry, firm materials through to the drainage. 

 This should be given in three or four instalments, as the water passes down, until 

 the entire bulk of the soil is moist. Water may be given during the summer months 



