130 WINTER MANAGEMENT. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



ON THE WINTER MANAGEMENT OF THE VINE. 



December 1st. The winter being the proper time- 

 to manure the border, let it now be lightly forked up, 

 and a good coating of inanure laid over it about six 

 inches deep, which will answer the two-fold purpose 

 of enriching the border, and protecting the roots of 

 the vine. It has been already stated, that, after a 

 vine has been planted a few years, its roots will make 

 their way up to the surface, if the border be not dis- 

 turbed by cropping or digging; but it is necessary to 

 observe, that when they are so situated, their tender 

 fibres will inevitably perish, unless protected from 

 severe weather, during the depth of the winter. To 

 prevent this, therefore, and also to keep the roots as 

 warm as possible, the border should be covered over 

 through this month and the two following ones. 

 For this purpose, long stable manure about half made 

 is the most suitable, as, from its spirituous nature, it 

 will keep the soil warmer, and more effectually resist 

 the frost and other unfavorable atmospheric changes, 

 than any other description of manure. If this, how- 

 ever, cannot conveniently be procured, the next best 

 covering is that of dead leaves, which, after they are 

 decomposed, form a vegetable manure of the most 

 fertilizing description. But if these cannot be ob- 

 tained, any of the manures mentioned as fit for top 

 dressing, (page -57,) may be substituted. It must be 

 observed, that, as the roots require to be kept as dry 

 as possible in the winter, liquid manure should be 

 used very sparingly during that period. 



The roots being thus protected, nothing more is 

 required to be done, till the month of March. 



March 1st. If the season be forward, the vine must 

 now be permanently trained, but if otherwise, that 

 operation may be performed any time during the next 



