22 THE AMERICAN VIXE-DRESSER'S GUIDE. 



.watery, and remains permanently moist, the 

 plant will rot and die. 



The best soils for the vine are volcanic, 

 calcareous, or rich sandy soils, in a word, 

 those which absorb water easily, are light and 

 easily worked, the subsoil of which is not 

 clayey, and in which water does not dwell too 

 long, either at or below the surface. 



As to situation, those to the south, south- 

 east, and southwest are the best; notwith- 

 standing, plants facing the north are less apt 

 to be hurt by the spring frosts. The ground 

 must be chosen with a gentle slope, but not 

 so steep as to be subject to be too violently 

 washed down by heavy rains. 



Nevertheless, very good table grapes are 

 produced on level grounds ; and sometimes 

 even good wine is obtained. The famous 

 growths of "Lafitte," "Margaux," "Haut- 

 Brion," in a word, the whole Medoc district 

 is a level plain, as also the country that pro- 

 duces the excellent white wine of "Sau- 

 terne;" but sloping grounds are generally 



