MY VINEYARD. 87 



by the influence of the water; while at Hammondsport 

 equally desirable results are brought about by the increase 

 of temj^erature, both night and day, from the character of 

 the soil and the aspect of the surface. A similar influence 

 is brought about in an artificial way by underdraining. 

 It is because the surplus water is removed, rendering the 

 soil warm, from the fact that evaporation from its surface 

 is diminished, that underdraining is so valuable an adjunct 

 of grape-growing. 



PROTECTION. 



Protection of the vineyard from sweeping winds is an- 

 other consideration worthy of attention. My own vine- 

 yard is protected from westerly winds by the belt of 

 woods on the west side of the farm, ah-eady referred to. 

 Success will be met with in many localities which are thus 

 protected, where it would not be without this protection. 

 In such places as are not protected by natural belts of 

 timber, artificial ones may be planted. They should be 

 composed largely of evergreens, and only a few years 

 are required for them to become large enougli to exert a 

 marked beneficial influence. In many sections of the West 

 the question of successful fruit-growing is simply one of 

 protection from sweeping winds. This is particularly so 

 on the Illinois prairies, where they now grow peaches and 

 other fruits in great abundance, while before planting 

 protecting belts of evergreens, they could not be grown at 



