PREPARATION OF THE GROUND. 23 



np, mix it somewhat, bat do not turn tlie top soil under. 

 This, for reasons already stated, is not enough. 



It is hardly necessary for me to saj^, that the proce- 

 dure must be varied with the ground. Some soils are 

 natui-ally rich to the required depth, though I should 

 fear such soils for vineyards. Others are very roclry 

 and must be worked with the mattock and grubbing 

 hoe. Good sense will in each case dictate the requisite 

 mode, if we will but bear in mind the great point in a 

 vineyard view. This is to get the surface soil beneath 

 the subsoil, so as to afford from the very start of the 

 vine, to the ''roots" at the "-fooi' of the vine, an easy, 

 healthy and steady downward growth. They are the 

 life of the vine, and their continued health is most im- 

 portant. If they are but thrifty, then we need not fear 

 but what the "side" and "suiface roots" ^^dll always 

 grow and prosper in due time and in proper manner. 



In vineyards along side hills, it is well to use the 

 stones generally found therein, for the purpose of erect- 

 ing walls to prevent " washing." These walls should 

 have their foundation deep enough, so as to be out of 

 the reach of heavy winter frosts. They should "be so 

 slantingly laid up, as to bear j)roperly " to land." Such 

 walls are not only useful, but they are an ornament to 

 the vineyard and the general landscape. If pro|)erly 

 laid up, they last as long as the vineyard. 



Where stones are lacking, it may be necessary to 



