BORDERS OR PREPARED BEDS. 03 



by these means, there would be some excuse for thus 

 abusing nature ; but such is not the fact, for the most 

 superior and best flavored fruit, is had from solid, well 

 ripened, and vigorous, but not over-fed wood. When the 

 bearing shoots are unduly strong, there are frequently 

 two or more developed from a bud, while with moderate 

 growth only one is formed, and as each of these buds 

 having received its share of nutriment, wherewith to start 

 future development, thus takes from the others a portion, 

 the consequence must be (as only one can remain) a weaker 

 action at first, and correspondingly less power afterwards, 

 than would be the case if there was only one centre. 

 The bunches ernenating from such a bud, will also contain 

 generally a greater number of florets, and shoulders, equal 

 to the concentrated accumulation in the embryo shoot ; 

 for it is formed previous to bursting, and before the leaf 

 of the previous season falls, in the axil of which it is fixed. 



In all cases of permanent success, the grape vine luxu- 

 riates upon a naturally, or artificially well-drained bottom. 

 It is best suited in warm, and comparatively dry climates, 

 and the constitution which nature has fixed, man cannot 

 alter. We must then adapt as near as we can, its position 

 in cultivation to its wants, and if we produce artificially a 

 greater than ordinary amount of growth, we ought to have 

 a corresponding medium whereby to mature that growth. 

 Well-drained borders is one of the means by which this 

 can be accomplished, as the superabundant moisture is 

 taken away, and the air and the sun's heat can more 

 readily penetrate the soil. If the following directions are 

 followed, there will be no reason to complain of want of 

 success on this point. 



Take out to the depth of two feet, the whole of the up- 

 per surface, then dig a trench two feet wide and one foot 

 deep, with one or more outlets for the water to escape, all 



