ON SOIL. 49 



pushed themselves into it, and multiplied there in a ten- 

 fold degree beyond those in the adjacent soil. I think, 

 therefore, that however rich the soil of a vine border 

 may naturally be, a portion of this compost may be 

 added to it with the greatest advantage. It should be 

 scraped or swept off the road, when it is not so wet as 

 to cake together, nor so dry as to be bordering upon 

 dust, but in a moderately dry state, betwixt the two 

 extremes. It ought to be mixed with the other com- 

 ponents of the border, soon after it has been collected 

 from the road, as all its valuable qualities will then be 

 preserved entire. 



In putting the materials of the border together, as 

 many whole bones as can possibly be procured should 

 be inserted with them, (in the manner mentioned in 

 Chapter VI., '* On Manure,") and if these cannot 

 be obtained in sufficient abundance, then such other 

 substances as are therein recommended as manures, 

 may be substituted. It is desirable that the width of 

 the border should not be less than eight feet, if local 

 circumstances will permit, but, if not, one of less width 

 must suffice. For the space of about a couple of feet 

 in breadth from the bottom of the wall, a sufficient 

 quantity of stones or gravel, but not of a binding nature 

 should be laid, to form a path to stand on, in order to 

 perform with cleanness and facility, those necessary 

 operations on the vines which are almost daily required 

 throughout the summer. Stones, or gravel, thus laid 

 over the border at the bottom of the wall, will likewise 

 be productive of great advantage in radiating the 

 heat of the sun's rays, and thereby hastening the 

 maturation of the fruit growing on the lower part uf 

 the wall ; and, also, in keeping it clean, and free from 

 splashes of dirt, that are frequently the consequences 

 of heavy rains. Small shingle, procured from the sea 

 beach, when local circumstances will permit, is exceed. 



