408 Allen on the Cnlture of the Grape. 



views in relation to the formation of the border and general 

 management of the vine, we shall briefly notice some of the 

 directions of Mr. Allen, which differ from our own ; particu- 

 larly his views in relation to the preparation of grape borders. 



The work commences with the grapery, — its location, — the 

 formation of the border, — planting the vines, — and their treat- 

 ment for five years successively. The forcing of the grape, — 

 the retarding-house. — list of varieties, — and, in conclusion, the 

 pruning and training of out-door grapes. 



"First in order," the author remarks, "and of the utmost 

 importance, is the situation of the house. It must be so lo- 

 cated that stagnant water will not remain on the border, or 

 within reach of the roots of the vine." These directions are 

 all-important, and cannot be deviated from in the successful 

 management of the grape. Not so, however, the direction, 

 that " the house should front the south," or "a slight varia- 

 tion, provided it is to the east." If forcing was only to be the 

 object, this would hold true; but, for the ordinary culture of 

 the grape, either with or without heat, it is, by no means, 

 necessary. In our bright climate, any position but a northern 

 one, will enable the cultivator to produce the most delicious 

 grapes. We wish this to be understood, because there are many 

 small gardens where it would be desirable to have a grape- 

 house ; but where the location of the dwelling, or the form of 

 the garden, would not allow of its being so placed, without set- 

 ting at nought all appearance of harmony and good arrange- 

 ment. It may be set down as a rule, that a grape-house may 

 be so situated as to face any point from East to West, and 

 without the least injury to the crop of fruit. 



The preparation of the border is next in importance. Mr. 

 Allen's plan is as follows : — 



" If the soil is a good loam, begin at one end and trench it ; mark off ten 

 feet the entire width ; throw out the soil two feet deep ; if bones, or the 

 carcases of aninmals can be had, cover the bottom well with them ; if these 

 are not readily procured, slaughter-house manure maybe substituted; mark 

 off ten feet more of the border, and cover this manure with part of the soil 

 from it ; upon this, put an inch or two of oyster shells, or old lime rubbish, 

 mixed with broken bricks ; over this, put some soil from the border ; then 

 a good covering of cow manure ; upon this, a slight covering of loam again, 

 followed with a good portion of oyster shells, or the substitute ; and over 

 this, a thick coveting of stable manure, well rotted ; finish with a covering 



