On the Cultivation of Grajie Vines in Greenhouses. 541 



the same covering Mr. Hutchinson recommends, would be 

 most excellent ; and the water-proof canvas we would sug- 

 gest as far preferable to boards, which, we believe, are used 

 by Mr. Allen, and some other grape growers, as the means of 

 keeping the rains and snows of winter from chilling the bor- 

 der. His recommendation, of frequently stirring the border, 

 to keep up the moisture during summer, should be strictly 

 followed. 



Mr. Hutchinson, it will be noticed, makes his borders of 

 "fibrous turf, leaf soil, and horse dung;" leaving the car- 

 casses of animals and other vile compounds, often recom- 

 mended, to those who choose to use them; and we commend 

 his practice to all who are about building graperies, and 

 making new borders. — Ed. 



The vine has been successfully cultivated in pine-stoves 

 and vinehouses, in Britain, for many years, but its culture in 

 the greenhouse has not been attended with equal success. 

 This may proceed from various causes, such as the condition 

 of the vine-border, improper temperature, areation, &c. If 

 the border be imperfectly drained, or the soil exhausted, the 

 first thing to do is to remove the earth of the border to the 

 depth of three feet, if on a sloping surface, but if flat, two 

 feet will be quite sufficient. It should not be less than fifteen 

 feet wide. 



It is impossible to lay down an invariable rule as to the 

 depth of soil which ought to be removed, in every case, but I 

 wish it to be distinctly understood that it is not necessary to 

 dig a deep pit, as some do, for the purpose of filling it up with 

 a mass of materials through which the sun's heat will never 

 penetrate ; for, although such a border may be made of the 

 best composition, it cannot be called a good border. 



When the old soil is cleaned out, a good drain should be 

 made along the front of the border. 



In forming the new border, the bottom part should have a 

 good slope, and should be covered, about ten inches deep, 

 with rough stones. Over the stones, place a covering of 

 furze, with the bushy side uppermost and the woody part 

 under. A row of turf should be placed upon the furze, with 

 the grassy side downward. This will form an effectual and 

 a permanent drainage to every part of the border. 



