334 CULTIVATION OF GRASSES, 



Candolle suggests the experiment of fastening four plants 

 to one prop, placed in the centre. In doing this, the 

 branches would be curved towards the prop, and the de- 

 scent of the cambium retarded. 



Caroline. We have seen vineyards in some parts of 

 Italy trained on a horizontal trellis-work, the grapes be- 

 . rig suspended beneath the verdant roof. In other pla- 

 ces, the vines are trained over trees, which are planted 

 merely to afford them support, and they derive a little 

 shelter from the leaves, which grow on the few branches 

 which are not lopped. 



Mrs. B. These various modes of training vines, though 

 they may be used in hot climates with less injury to the 

 fruit, never fail, more or less, to be prejudicial to it ; and 

 though the climate of Italy is generally hotter than that 

 of France, the latter is celebrated in all parts of the world, 

 for the excellence of its wines, while those of the former 

 are scarcely ever exported. 



In hot climates, the grapes are sweet, contain less acid 

 and astringent principle, and the fermentation is less 

 complete, the proportions not being so well adjusted as 

 in France, and other countries of a more moderate tem- 

 perature. 



' It will be unnecessary for me to enter into any further 

 <dtail on the nature of the vinous fermentation, as it is a 

 chemical process, an account of which, you may recol- 

 lect, I hays formerly given you. 



CONVERSATION XXX. 



ON THE CULTIVATION OF GRASSES, TUBEROUS ROOTS, 

 AND GRAIN. 



Mrs. B. The objects of culture which we shall next 

 investigate are the grasses. 



The principal use of the grasses is to feed cattle, which, 

 both during their life and after their death, are useful to 

 us in so many different ways. The advantage we derive 

 from them in agriculture is not confined to the labor they 



1807. What does Candolle say of propping vines'? 1808. How do 

 these modes of training vines effect the fruit! 1809. How is the flavor 

 of grapes in hot climates 1 1810. What are the different ways in 

 which the grasses are advantageous in agriculture! 



