VINE BORDERS 33 



well-known fact that it deca\s rapidly; its virtue is soon lost and it cannot be 

 recommended as an enduring manure. But as a top dressing, later on, when 

 the vines are established, its influence is remarkable, either as a surface dressing 

 or applied in liquid form. I have often thought, in my work of fruit growing, 

 what a great advantage it would be to us if we knew exactly what our soils were 

 composed of, for they vary considerably in their composition. If all soils were 

 of the same nature it would be an easy matter to say how much to apply of this 

 or that so as to get the best results. 



Each and every grower must feel his own road to success as to the quantity 

 of manure, feitilizers, etc., he shall apply. The quantities recommended here shall 

 be small. I have found through many years of practical experience that it is much 

 easier to add than to take away. I mean by this that, as the vines get thoroughly 

 established after a year or so, and the roots are active, great results may be ob- 

 tained b}' systematic surface feeding, not too heavy at one time, as this may burn 

 the roots, but by feeding often and lightly. This question of feeding and en- 

 riching the soil is such a fundamental one and so necessary to success that a 

 book could be written on that one subject alone. No grower will be successful 

 to any extent unless he makes a thorough study of this important question of 

 feeding. There is an old saying, that plants cannot talk, and this is true in a 

 way, but the close observer can easily tell when the plant has had all that is good 

 for it. The foliage is one of the most expressive factors in plant life. All suc- 

 cessful, up-to-date growers make a careful study of the foliage and its condition 

 and are greatly influenced thereby. It should have good substance and feel 

 leathery to the touch; but, should it begin to feel brittle, then one must be quick 

 to diminish the feeding. There are times when our foliage has been very unsatis- 

 factory through some error of treatment, maybe poor root action. Under these 

 conditions beware of overfeeding. In order to produce good fruit the foliage 

 must be perfect, every vein showing up distinctly, then the fruit will hnish up 

 accordingly. But, as I have previously remarked, it would be interesting for 

 this important work to know just what the soil should contain, as, with this 

 knowledge, we could then supply the deficiencies. 



We do know, however, that in order to grow the Grape vine and fruit it suc- 

 cessfully, there must be more or less potash in the soil, according to its nature. 

 This can be applied in the form of nitrate of potash or as hardwood ashes. When 

 we have a border which contains phosphoric acid, potash and nitrogen, we have 

 a combination of food elements that should prove satisfactory for the well-being 

 of the vine. Bone, which contains phosphate of lime, is one of the most val- 

 uable fertilizers for the Grape border, especially toward the bottom. Use half- 

 inch bone for this purpose, the lasting qualities of which are well known, and in 

 the proportion of one part of bone to fifty parts of soil, with a sprinkling of 

 potash, according to the condition of the soil; the roots will receive 

 benefit from this mixture for years to come. If a good quality of hardwood 

 ashes can be procured, they may be used to advantage for supplying the desired 

 amount of potash, taking about one-third less than of the bone; the best obtain- 

 able should be secured. 



These are all the food elements necessary to put into the lower part of the 



