WINTER MANAGEMENT. 131 



fortnight. Observe, however, that as soon as the 

 buds have swelled sufficiently to burst the extremities 

 of their winter covering, the vine must be trained im- 

 mediately; for if delayed, the buds will be liable to 

 be rubbed off in bending the shoots, and nailing them 

 in their proper positions. 



This is the proper time, also, previously to the vine 

 being permanently trained for the season, to white- 

 wash the wall, agreeably to the directions given in 

 page 61. 



In nailing the shoots in the manner directed in the 

 chapter on Training, use fresh shreds, and be careful 

 not to put any round those parts of the vine, that 

 have been at any previous time covered with shreds. 

 The training being finished, remove the covering 

 from the border, leaving as much of it to remain, as 

 may be advantageously mixed with the soil. Fork 

 up the border, and mix the manure well with it ; after 

 which, rake the surface very smooth and clean. 



March 21st. As soon after this time as the weather 

 is dry, salt the border. For this purpose procure a 

 gallon of salt for every square rod, and scatter it in 

 the same manner as if it were seed, distributing it as 

 equally as possible over the entire border. Then rake 

 the surface very lightly, in order that the salt may be 

 mixed with the soil. The application of salt to a 

 vine border is productive of the most beneficial eflects. 

 It prevents the growth of weeds, destroys the worms, 

 keeps the surface open and clean, stimulates the 

 growth of the vine, and ultimately enters largely 

 into its constitution. Any substance, indeed, of a 

 saline nature, the roots of vines seize upon with the 

 greatest avidity. 



If, at the rising of the sap, the vine should bleed at 

 any of the wounds made by pruning, or otheswise, 

 put a piece of moistened bladder round the wounded 

 part, and tie it closely and firmly with strong thread 

 well waxed with beeswax. 



