AND WINE MAKING. 191 



is generally shallow and poor, and where the vines 

 are subjected to the rays of the afternoon sun, the 

 dews of the night having already been dried up. We 

 must remember that our vines are expected to do with- 

 out rain from May to September, and when they are 

 constantly exposed to the afternoon sun, they are apt to 

 become sun-scalded, while on the northern slopes they 

 have the full benefit of the sun in the forenoon, when 

 the foliage is fresh from dew, which enables them to re- 

 main fresh all day. Only from a vine in full vigor can 

 we expect to get its most perfect product not from 

 starved specimens. There are exceptions to every rule, 

 and we have southern slopes with deep soil where vines 

 will do well ; but the hot afternoon sun is always an ob- 

 jection to the best of these locations, and where they are 

 finally chosen, the varieties planted or grafted should be 

 such as are least subject to sun-scald. The Zinfindal 

 will hardly do in such situations, as its foliage and fruit 

 are very tender. Steep hillsides should always be 

 avoided, as cultivation and fruit gathering on them are 

 more expensive. 



The foregoing applies only to wine grapes'. For mar- 

 ket and for raisins, the rich bottom lands may be prefer- 

 able, as they will produce larger and more showy fruit. 

 But if even for these purposes, the frost question should 

 be carefully considered. Any one who has closely ob- 

 served? the effects of frost, will have noted the great dif- 

 ference existing between the lowlands and the hillsides 

 above them. 



