32 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS 



lodgment of water. All these directions refer to a span roof fruithouse, but the 

 same principles may be applied to a leanto or to a three-fourths span, only in 

 this latter case the drain would be along the front instead of in the center. 

 About 15 inches of drainage above this in the center, tapering off to nine 

 inches at the side, would make a level bottom. It is immaterial what kind 

 of drainage is used; broken brickbats are good for the purpose, with a thin 

 layer of oyster shells on top, if available, although this is not absolutely neces- 

 sary. The main obiect is to finish the conduit off with some material that will 

 prevent the soil from washing through and clogging up the channel. From the 

 drainage to the surface of the border there should be from two and one-half 

 to three feet for soil, and then, to make the drainage doubly secure, place a 

 tough sod, if it can be secured, laid grass side down over the drainage be- 

 fore any loose soil is put in. One may then rest assured tliat there will net 

 be much danger of poor, clogged drainage. 



The Grape vine wdll thrive in many differing kinds of soil, though that best 

 adapted to a vigorous growth is a fairly heavy loam. A good rose soil is all 

 right for the grapery. If you have pasture land at command containing good, 

 loamy, virgin soil you may consider yourself fortunate, for this sod land is ideal 

 and lasting. Some of the most successful borders in past years have been made 

 with such sod land laid into the border, grass side down, without chopping or 

 breaking the sod more than necessary. The object in using all sod only is that 

 the soil will last and keep in a sweet, healthy condition much longer than ordi- 

 nary soil. Moreover, the fibrous roots of the sod are of much benefit and the roots 

 seem to revel in it. 



If we consider that the success of the years to come depends upon this 

 preliminary work we readily realize that the best of material to be had is none 

 too good for the purpose. While these small details may seem expensi^•e to the 

 inexperienced fruit grower, they are, nevertheless, important factors toward pro- 

 ducing fruit of the first quality. We will then ha\'e the satisfaction of knowing 

 that the coal bill is not higher for a good crop of fruit than for a poor one, and 

 that it will not cost any more labor to produce the one than the other. There- 

 fore, taking everything into consideration, I venture to say, that money spent 

 on good constructive work at the outset is capital well invested, paving the way 

 to future success, and the eventual returns will more than repay for the outlay, 

 provided the borders get the proper care. 



FERTILIZER FOR TME BORDER 



All vine borders must be enriched with some kind of manure, though no 

 hard and fast lines can be laid down in this respect. Some soils will take more 

 than others to good advantage. But more vine borders have probably been 

 damaged by overfeeding than otherwise. In a border made as described, the 

 vines will make a rapid and luxurious growth for a year or so with little or no 

 manure added. 



Now the question arises as to the fertilizing ingredients best adapted to 

 promoting the health, vigor and fruit-bearing qualities of the vines. Farm- 

 vard manure has been used more or less for enriching the soil, though it is a 



