THE BOOTS OF GRAPE VINES. 193 



receptacle for all the rain that falls on the surface of 

 the top of the column, which will filter through the 

 single thickness of the bricks, forming the bottom of 

 the hollow space, and thence be distributed by absorp- 

 tion throughout the whole mass of the enclosed ma- 

 terials, thereby supplying that moderate degree of 

 moisture to the roots of the vine, which contributes so 

 advantageously to its nourishment and support. 



The column will now be complete. The sunken 

 space at the top of it may, if desired, be filled with 

 mould ; and mignonnette, or any other annual flower 

 of suitable growth, may be grown in it, and which, 

 hanging pendantly over the edge of the column, will 

 present a very graceful appearance. 



The pruning and training of the shoots of the vine 

 will be the same as if planted against a straight wall. 

 The circular surface of a column of these dimensions 

 will contain 45 superficial feet ; a few years, therefore, 

 after its erection, the vine will annually yield 50 Ibs. 

 weight of grapes. The whole cost of erecting one, 

 including the enclosed materials, will be about 25s. 



Columns may be erected of a larger or smaller size 

 than that here described ; but if the diameter be much 

 less than 3 feet, the shape must be that of a polygon 

 of many sides, if built with bricks of the usual shape, 

 on account of their ends being rectangular. 



A column may be erected on any spare or conve- 

 nient spot, either contiguous to a dwelling, or in a 

 garden ; and by putting up a couple at opposite or 

 corresponding points, or a greater number sufficient 

 to form a harmonious combination, a highly ornamen- 

 tal appearance may thereby be created. The simple 

 contrivance of chambering the roots inside, and the 

 provision o? the sunken water-table at the top of the 

 column outside, prevent the necessity of the slightest 

 trouble being required ijn the management of the vine, 



a 



