CHAPTER IV. 

 BORDERS OR PREPARED BEDS. 



THE formation of beds, or more technically borders, in 

 which to grow the grape vine is of great importance, per- 

 haps more so than any other portion of the whole routine 

 of culture, for without a proper matrix in which the roote 

 may luxuriate, it is impossible to succeed. 



The more important any branch of horticulture is, often 

 the greater the number of opinions respecting it. This is 

 strictly true, in the present instance. Some have advo- 

 cated the admixture of great quantities of raw animal car- 

 casses, in such quantities, and large masses, that one would 

 think, if their reasoning were true, that a recently filled 

 cholera burial-ground, would be the best place on which 

 to erect a grapery, or plant a vineyard. Others again 

 have recommended large doses of blood, and the stink- 

 ing offal of slaughter-houses, in so fresh a state that the 

 very idea is enough to nauseate the strongest stomach, 

 and forbid the cultivation of this luscious fruit. Fortu- 

 nately these materials are not required, although when 

 thoroughly decomposed and well mixed with maiden earth, 

 there is no objection to the using of a portion incorporated 

 through the mass. It often happens when thus applied, 

 that a very vigorous growth is produced for a time, but 

 sufficient strength can be had without these stinking nui- 

 sances. If used at all, it should be in the form of top- 

 dressings in after years, and forked in, by which the fer- 

 tility will be assisted, without making the whole bed into 

 3 (49) 



