50 THE GRAPE. 



an unctuous paste, more fit to puddle a duck pond with, 

 than for the tender and fleshy roots of the grape vine to 

 luxuriate in. If proof of this were wanted, there are 

 plenty of examples if they were to be examined, where 

 the roots that have come into contact with these masses 

 of soap-like substances, before they were thoroughly de- 

 composed, have been found quite rotten, and if the vines 

 have continued to do well, it is not from the nutriment 

 derived from them, but from their ready adaptability to 

 form fresh spongeoles from the back roots, which may 

 have travelled in other directions, and with good treat- 

 ment added. 



The advocates of this putrid animal matter, contend for 

 the greater invigorating powers and more lasting proper- 

 ties, than is to be found in barnyard manure, or decayed 

 vegetable substances. To the first we will agree, pro- 

 viding the stimulating portions be administered in a proper 

 manner, and here ends this part of the difference ; but how 

 it is to be more lasting, is another part of the subject. It is 

 a well-known fact, that highly nitrogenized manures, during 

 decomposition, give off very freely the volatile ammonia con- 

 tained in them, and as this is a great stimulant to vegeta- 

 tion during active development, it is easily seen how such 

 wonderful effect is produced ; as this exciting principle, 

 from its evanescent properties, percolates into every aper- 

 ture in its escape, and no doubt a portion is taken up in a 

 gaseous state by the young and readily absorbing spon- 

 geoles. But does it follow, that this is any proof of per- 

 manent action. Judging from the premises it would appear 

 the very reverse, and the frequent use of other manures 

 of a similar character guano, for instance have clearly 

 demonstrated, that oft-repeated applications with occa- 

 sional additions of carbonaceous organic bulk, and other 

 inorganic assistance, have to be applied to maintain fer- 



