60 ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF WALLS. 



erection of a k\v walls of this description, bnilt parallel 

 to, and not far distant from each other. 



The best materials for the construction of vine 

 walls are, without doubt, bricks^ as they present a 

 more even surface than can be obtained from walls 

 built of any other description of materials ; and even- 

 ness of surface is a quality that cannot be dispensed 

 with. It is not only necessary for the training of 

 vines with precision, but if the surface of the wall be 

 not smooth and even, the grapes will, at times, be 

 considerably injured, by being blown to and fro by 

 the wind, against the rough and uneven parts of it. 



Dark-colored flint ivalls are hotter than those built 

 of brick, but this advantage is more than counterbal- 

 anced by their uneven surface. But if the faces of 

 the flints be well hammer-dressed, and the joints of 

 the wall made to run in proper courses, they make a 

 handsome wall, and one that will absorb and retain 

 heat in a greater degree than any other. 



If from local causes neither bricks nor flints can be 

 procured, stone of any description may be substituted, 

 but the darker the color, and tlic closer the texture, 

 the more will it absorb and retain heat, and repel 

 moisture; and, consequently, the better will it be 

 adapted for the end in view. 



As a substitute for walls, stout ranges of jmUng^ 

 made of well-seasoned wood, or of the plan Us of old 

 ships, well coated over with paint, are at times erected, 

 but grapes produced in this way are seldom equal to 

 those grown on walls. 



For the foundatio?i of a vine wall, stone is prefera- 

 ble to bricks, the former being more solid and dura- 

 ble. And if the wall be an outer one, and the soil 

 on the outside of it be of such a description as to 

 render it necessary that the roots of the vines should 

 be prevented from getting into it, the foundation ought 

 to be deep, and cemented firmly together, so as to 

 make it as solid as possible. But if the soil, on each 

 side of the wall, be such as to make it advantageous 

 for the roots to run freely into it, no greater depth 



