ROOTS OF GRAPE VINES. 159 



to prevent the roots from penetrating into the adjacent 

 cold soil, and also to keep the materials always in a 

 moist state, for which purpose brickwork is admirably 

 adapted, on account of the porosity or power of suc- 

 tion, or absorption of moisture, which bricks are well 

 known to possess. If, therefore, any quantity of the 

 above-mentioned materials be enclosed in brickwork 

 and placed compactly together, and in close contact 

 with the internal surface of the brickwork, the whole 

 body of those materials will, in a short time after they 

 are so placed, become moist, and, once moist, they 

 can never again, at any time afterwards, become dry. 

 They will, therefore, always be in that state which is 

 more suitable to the roots of the vine than any other, 

 namely, always moist, but never ivet. 



Another general rule also remains now to be men- 

 tioned, which must never be departed from. All 

 vines intended for early forcing should be planted in- 

 side of the vinery. 



The roots of vines so planted, being enclosed in 

 brickwork, as before directed, are then protected from 

 all the cold agencies of the atmosphere, and are, 

 moreover, in the enjoyment of a much higher tem- 

 perature, in addition to which they receive the benefit 

 of the heated atmosphere of the vinery ; and these 

 are advantages that cannot be estimated too highly. 

 They form, in fact, an integral part of the routine of 

 early forcing, the successful issue of which cannot be 

 depended upon without them. 



This point being settled, the first step to be taken 

 is to prepare the site for the reception of the mate- 

 rials in which the roots are to be inserted. 



In doing this, the following directions are to be 

 observed :— 



1st. Assuming that a new vinery is about to be 

 erected, excavate the whole area of it to the depth of 

 three feet below the level of the surface, and carry 

 the soil entirely away. 



2d. Prepare the bottom for the reception of a floor 

 of brickwork, by making the surface of it quite smooth 

 and level. 



