64 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



or alumina as gives it body, constituting it a rather 

 strong but friable loam. In all my observations and 

 experience I have invariably found the most robust 

 and fruitful vines growing in borders composed of soils 

 of this description, especially when taken from the 

 red sandstone formation. Although such a soil as 

 this contains nearly all that is necessary for the pro- 

 duction of first-rate grapes for some years, regard must 

 be had to the time when the turfy organic matter 

 in it has decomposed and changed into mould, leaving 

 the border destitute of its primitive fertility, and less 

 porous than is desirable ; and substances that will 

 retain their manurial and organic character beyond this 

 time must be added to it as shall now be directed. 



In taking the top spit of such old pasture-soil as I 

 have described, the verdure and soil should be taken 

 to the depth of half a spit, or about six or seven 

 inches. It is very often found to be much infested 

 with wire-worm, an insect which, when introduced into 

 vine-borders, preys upon the young roots of vines. 

 In time of severe frost these pests retreat downwards, 

 and it is therefore best, if possible, to collect the soil 

 when it is frozen. The turf should be stacked in the 

 compost-yard for some months before it is used. I 

 have, however, frequently carted it in when in a dry 

 state, and prepared and mixed it immediately. When 

 this has to be done, the grass should be cut closely 

 off with a scythe before the ground is touched. In 

 the process of chopping and mixing the turf, it should, 

 if possible, be protected from wet ; and where there 

 is not shed-room sufficient to hold it, it can be covered 

 with wooden shutters or tarpauling. 



The loam should first be chopped up, but not too 

 finely, mixing the fibry portion of it regularly with 



