VINE BORDERS 35 



and bonemeal. This \\ill put tlu' bt)rdcr in good shape, and iiothintr nioix' m the 

 \va\' of feeding will be needed until the Grapes are tliinned. 



WATERING 



It should be borne in mind that when the vines are at rest the border should 

 be allowed to get fairly dry. Under these conditions it is surprising to note the 

 amount of water which is required to saturate the soil all through. Watering 

 plays a most important part in the successful finishing up of the crop, just as 

 much so as does systematic feeding. If the vines suffer for want of moisture at 

 their roots at any time during their period of active growth, the result will be an 

 unsatisfactory finish, and probably some of the stems of the berries will dry up 

 or get into the condition known as "shanking." This serious trouble is brought 

 on through careless w-atering, imperfect drainage, careless airing, etc.; more 

 often by too dry a border than through an oversupply of water, for it will bear 

 repeating that Grapes must have abundance of moisture at their roots while they 

 are in active growth or at least until they begin to color. Then it is advisable 

 to withhold water somewhat. The vines will much appreciate a thorough 

 soaking at their roots just as they begin their second swelling; this will be after 

 they have completed their stoning period; at that stage they should get this 

 watering and, if necessary, a good feed as well. Liberal treatment at this stage 

 will considerably increase the size of the berry. If this watering will carry the 

 crop along until the fruit is colored, so much the better, as I do not appro\e of 

 heavy watermg now, if it can be avoided. The grower who allows his Iruit to 

 color between waterings will get decidedly the best finish and, without perfect 

 finish, color and bloom, all our efforts will yield but medium results. The expe- 

 rienced fruit grower takes much greater pride in the color and bloom of his 

 Grapes than in large bunches; if the two first are lacking, we have erred some- 

 where in our work. 



RCX)T AcmON 



Perfect root action must be maintained to the end that a perfect crop be 

 secured. If we find no working roots near the surface on examining the border 

 a few years after' having planted the vines, then there is something wrong, 

 especially if the vines are confined to inside borders only. It would then be well 

 to look for the cause and remedy the evil. If we dig down we shall probably 

 find only long, bare roots, instead of the mass of fibrous roots so desirable for 

 obtaining the best results, though there may be a few fibrous roots at the ter- 

 minal ends. After clearing away the old soil and renewing it with a fresh, open 

 soil, these roots may be brought a little nearer to the surface before covering 

 the.m up again. If there are no fibrous roots, with a sharp knife, cut nicks here 

 and there along the bare roots, and young fibrous or feeding roots will develop 

 as a result of those cuts. This operation should be performed in the early Fall, 

 after the season's wood is ripened up, but before the leaves drop, as then the 

 roots will get a slight start. In any case, the old roots will callus where these 

 nicks are made, and will be ready to send out fibrous roots in the Spring, or 

 whenever the heat is turned on in the house. 



