132 GRAPE CULTURE AND 



not so imperative, although it is "always well to have it thor- 

 ooghly mixed and pulverized. 



Of course, I take for granted that the soil has been cleared 

 of all roots, stumps, stones, etc., before plowing. When the 

 soil has been thoroughly moistened by rain, so as to work 

 satisfactorily without being wet, put in a good team with a 

 strong turning plow, which can make a furrow of from 10 

 to 12 inches deep. If two horses cjnnot do it, put in four, 

 and follow in the same furrow with a subsoil stirring plow, 

 that will only loosen the soil, not turn it. This ought to stir 

 it from 4 to 6 inches deeper, so that the whole depth is from 

 14 to 1 6 inches at least. Of course it depends on the 

 nature of the soil how many animals ought to be used, as it 

 will be much harder of draft in tenacious, clayey soil, than in. 

 loose and friable earth. Where stones, roots, etc., are 

 turned up, they ought to be piled up and taken out; and it 

 will be well to employ an extra man for that purpose, who can 

 follow the plows, and remove any obstacle they meet with. 



After thus thoroughly loosening the soil, it should be har- 

 rowed crosswise, and then gone over with a clod-crusher or 

 drag, to leave an entirely smooth and even surface. Remem- 

 ber that you are laying the foundation for work which is ex- 

 pected to last your lifetime and- longer, and rather spend five 

 or ten dollars worth more labor to do it well, than to do it 

 poorly. 



Wet spots should be drained by gutters, either of tiles or 

 stones. Make a ditch 3% feet deep by at least a foot wide, 

 setting two stones on edge, then laying a flat one on top;, 

 then throw a layer of straw over these and some loose stones 

 on top, filling up with soil. These I have found to carry off 

 the water better than drain tiles, and where stones are con- 

 venient, they are much cheaper, and help to clear the land,, 

 as it will take a good many stones, which will be buried 

 under ground, instead of being obstructions in cultivating. 



