WINE-MAKING IN CALIFORNIA. 171 



to make deep washes, where they have the furrows as so many 

 gutters. 



When this plowing, hoeing and harrowing is done, we can 

 cross plow, that is, if the first plowing has been done from 

 East to West, we now plow North and South. Here we re- 

 verse the operation, take the one horse plow first and throw 

 the ground against the vines; taking care, however, not to 

 cover them. Then we follow with the two horse plow, or 

 gang plow, and finish out the middle, so that every inch of 

 soil in the vineyard is stirred when this is done. This will 

 put the soil in good, mellow condition, and the finishing is 

 given by taking the clod crusher or drag crossway over the 

 rows, which breaks all lumps, and fills up the middle furrow 

 somewhat, leaving our vines, when these operations are com- 

 pleted, in a bed of mellow earth, where they can grow and 

 flourish. The young weeds and vegetation turned under serve 

 as fertilizers, and at the same time have a tendency to loosen 

 the soil. Cultivating from time to time, as the weeds may begin 

 to grow, and the soil requires stirring, as well as cutting down 

 the weeds which may grow around the vines with a light hoe 

 where the cultivator cannot reach them, will finish the culti- 

 vation for the summer. I reiterate again, if you have the 

 time, cultivate freely ; you can not overdo this. Your 

 vines will well repay any extra trouble you may take with 

 them, by additional growth and fruitfulness. 



