50 ON SOIL. 



the vine may be planted, and the hole filled up with 

 two-thirds of rich loamy earth, and one-third of road 

 scrapmgs, previously mixed well together; and, if 

 necessary, the surface covering, wliether of stone, 

 brick, or otherwise, may be restored again to its 

 former state, provided a space of about six inches 

 square be left open for the stem to swell in during its 

 future growth. Vines planted in such situations, 

 will, in general, do well, although their growth will 

 not be so rapid as when planted under more favorable 

 circumstances. 



In all cases where vines are planted against any 

 description of buildings, their roots pusli as soon as 

 possible imder the foundations, being attracted thither 

 by the warm air which is there generated ; and such 

 situations being also dry, from the excavations which 

 have been made, offer to the roots the same protec- 

 tion from excessive moisture, as the substratum of a 

 well-prepared border. The same may be observed of 

 vines planted against walls, the foundations of which 

 possess similar advantages, although in a more limited 

 degree. Hence the fact may be inferred, that vines 

 planted in such situations, w^ithout any previous pre- 

 paration of the soil, will frequently grow as luxuri- 

 antly, and produce as fine grapes as those planted in 

 rich and well -prepared borders. 



Indeed, it is hardly possible to plant a vine in any 

 situation in which it will not thrive, provided its roots 

 can by any means push themselves into a dry place, 

 and the aspect be such as to afford to its brandies a 

 sufficient portion of the sun's rays to elaborate the 

 juices of the plant. The truth is, that the roots of 

 the vine possess an extraordinary power of adapting 

 themselves to any situation in which they may be 

 planted, provided it be a dry one. They will ramble 

 in every direction in search after food, and extract 

 nourishment from sources apparently the most barren. 

 In short, they are the best caterers that can possibly 

 be imagined, for they will grow, and even thrive 

 luxuriantly, where almost every other description of 

 plant or tree would mevitably starve. 



