36 THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



wood of a resinous kind, are, in part, of a similar nature with 

 vegetable mould from decayed leaves, but are neither so rich 

 nor powerful. It is very probable that there are various 

 other kinds of manure, that may be introduced into a com- 

 post suitable for the vine with as much effect as the former ; 

 as blood, the offal of animals or shambles, horn shavings, old 

 rags, hair, shavings of leather, and bone dust. This last is 

 exceedingly proper, as, at the same time that it gives a light- 

 ness to the soil, it contributes to its fertility. I may also add 

 to the former the dung of deer and sheep, as, likew^ise, (pou- 

 drette) night soil. But please to observe, that many, if not 

 all, of the above-recited manures will require time to meliorate, 

 before they can be introduced and incorporated with the other 

 part of the compost. The dust, or dirt, from roads consists 

 principally of the following particulars : first, the soil of the 

 vicinity ; secondly, the dung and urine of horses, and other 

 animals ; and thirdly, the materials of the road itself, when 

 pulverized. 



" After having specified manures known to be friendly to 

 the vine, it may not be improper to name some that seem 

 hurtful to it. Soot, wood ashes, pigeon and hen dung, would 

 all, I think, be too hot for the roots of the vine. These are 

 manures that come immediately into action, and are more 

 properly calculated for top dressing. Pond mud and moor 

 earth would probably be too cold, and the latter might canker 

 the roots of the vine, and therefore, on that account, had 

 better be omitted. 



" In the autumn, to prevent the roots of the vine from be- 

 ing injured by the frost, they should be mulched to the thick- 

 ness of three or four inches with strawy manure. A little 

 very rotten manure may be spread all over the border. This 

 is to be done the first season after planting. 



" By the end of the second year after planting, the vines 

 will have extended their roots to almost every part of the bor- 

 der ; and as, at this tender age, the roots are very liable to 

 receive injury by severe frosts, I would advise the borders to 



