Grape Culture. 13 



extent, and sweeten and purify the material of which 

 the border is composed. A considerable benefit is derived by 

 adopting some means of this sort, especially in low-lying 

 situations ; and gardeners and botanists know how essential 

 air is to plant growth. The depth of soil laid on the drainage 

 may vary from 2 feet to 2 feet 6 inches. 



Lean-to houses should face south ; span-roof run north and 

 south. I also recommend air pipes to be placed perpendicular 

 on the drain pipes at the back wall, and the same at the 

 extremity of border outside : thus connecting the whole and 

 keeping up this supply of pure air. They have also the advan- 

 tage of being closed during hard or very dry weather, and 

 opened during too wet weather to dry the borders. The 

 following sketch will make this more easily understood : 

 A ventilation which can be readily opened and shut as 

 required should be placed on each pipe. 



Distance apart for pipes, 9 to 10 feet ; 4-inch fireclay pipes 

 are used for upright ventilators ; common red tile for drainage. 



Grapes shown by Mr. Kirk at the Horticultural Show, 

 Dublin, 1895, winning first for both lots, the four and the six 

 bunches in open competition. The varieties were : Top row, 

 left, 2 Duke of Buccleuch ; right, 2 Black Hamburgh. Bottom 

 row, 2 Gros Maroc ; 2 Duke of Buccleuch ; and 2 Madresfield 

 Court. 



CHAPTER III. 

 PREPARATION OF COMPOST. 



THE soil best suited for the growth of the Vine is a calcareous 

 turfy loam. But almost any soil, from clay to sandy loam, 

 will suit. Vines will grow and produce splendid crops of grapes 

 in common garden soil if it is properly prepared and the right 

 material added, such as burned earth, lime, rubbish, and wood 

 ashes. To every five tons of such compost add two cwts. 

 vine and plant food. This will be found an excellent compost. 



