CHAPTER XV. 



THE VINEYARD, AND OUT-DOOR 

 CULTURE. 



So far, the grape-vine has been treated of in a general 

 way, as regards the natural disposition of the various kinds 

 in cultivation. The practical details also are more par- 

 ticularly explained for the treatment of the exotics, but 

 to make a clean breast of our present business, there is 

 required some more notice of the natives, and out-door 

 culture. If we could be satisfied with a stand-still position 

 the thing might remain as it is, for almost everybody who 

 has a yard of land thinks of a grape-vine; and yet a 

 greater number know how to grow grapes, if we are to 

 believe the many metaphysical conversations that often 

 take place. The fact is, that all the species and varieties 

 will more or less prosper with almost any kind of treat- 

 ment, providing they be in a suitable climate ; but this 

 does not argue against the best cultivation, and there is 

 little fear of contradiction when the statement is made that 

 skill and care will be as amply repaid with any or all of 

 the kinds. It matters not whether for wine or table use, 

 this still holds good, and the only difference is in what is 

 required. If, for instance, the produce be intended for 

 wine, it will be necessary to combine, as much as possible, 

 those peculiar characteristics which the best samples are 

 found to possess, and in such case it is not advisable to in- 

 troduce too much stimulating matter to the roots, but let 

 nature have her way, with help directed towards her own 



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