THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE 



SITUATION OF THE GRAPERY, 



First in order, and of the utmost importance, is the 

 situation of the house. It must be so located, that stagnant 

 water will not remain on the border, or within reach of the 

 roots of the vine. 



If you cannot avoid building the house where water is 

 found to stand two or three feet under the surface, then the 

 soil should be throAvn out, the whole length and breadth of 

 the border, eighteen inches deep, and the bottom paved with 

 stone or brick, so as effectually to prevent the roots penetra- 

 ting through it to the Avater. Make the border on this, as 

 directed hereafter ; this will raise the top of the soil eighteen 

 inches above the level of the adjoining surface. 



ASPECT FOR THE GRAPERY. 



The house should front the south ; a slight variation, pro- 

 vided it is to the east, so as to receive the morning sun, will 

 be no objection.* 



In the Gardeners' Chronicle of 1847, page 734, is an ac- 

 count of some grapes exhibited at the Horticultural Show, 



* Cultivators of the grape have usually advised this position for the front of the 

 house ; several persons, who have had practical experience, would prefer that it 

 should front south ten or fifteen degrees east, or even south-southeast. 



" Every house for the purpose of forcing or growing fruit should stand on a foun- 

 dation naturally dry or effectually- drained. As to aspect, the standard principle is, 

 to set tlie front directly to the south." — Abercrombie. 



