Allen on the Culture of the Grape. 409 



of the loam. The whole length is to be made hi this manner, in alternate 

 spaces of ten feet each trenching. After it is finished, the border should 

 be three feet six inches deep ; it will settle to less than three feet in a few 

 months ; any soil left, after it is finished, can be carried off. 



The proportions recommended for this border, are one half loam, one 

 fourth bones, or other strong manure, one eighth oyster shells, or lime and 

 brick rubbish, and one eighth rotten stable manure." — p. 7. 



It will be noticed that Mr. Allen recommends the plan of 

 many English cultivators, viz : the employment of the car- 

 casses of animals, if they can be had, in the making of the 

 border. They may undoubtedly be used ; but, as we have re- 

 marked in the article alluded to, we believe they are, by no 

 means, important, and, indeed, rather to be objected to, espec- 

 ially in retentive soils ; and we are sure such borders never 

 give better crops, or more delicious fruit than those which 

 are made without them. We advised a thorough trenching 

 of the border, but Mr. Allen directs that, although made up 

 in layers, yet that the sm-face should only be spaded over be- 

 fore planting. Trenching could not of course be done where 

 there were dead carcasses ; but yet the compost above these 

 should be, in onr opinion, well intermixed. The best English 

 grape growers, with one or two exceptions, advise this. 



The planting of the vines and general management is near- 

 ly the same as we have already laid down. 



In the forcing of the vine, Mr. Allen has had excellent suc- 

 cess ; and his remarks under this head are of great value. For 

 several years he has exhibited fine fruit in May and June, 

 which has attested his successful management. It is this 

 portion of the work which will be read with great interest, 

 for although we do not expect the number of cultivators will 

 be numerous, who will attempt forcing, in comparison with 

 those who rear the grape in cold houses, yet the directions 

 are so explicit, that, with good judgment, and proper attention, 

 those who would make the attempt will be successful, if his 

 directions are followed. To the work we must refer for these 

 in detail. 



We only here notice some of the general rules which are 

 laid down : — 



"If it is intended to winter-force, you must not commence the process,. 

 the first year, before the first of March ; the second year, you may begiu. 

 VOL. xni. — NO. IX, 37 



