THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 4 1 



tliem the second or third year. A large part of the fleshy 

 matter, in its decomposition, turns to a liquid, and the soil 

 near by imbibes this, and is enriched thereby. These sul)- 

 stances, Avhcn in this state of decomposition, if they come in 

 contact Avith the roots of the vine, ^vill instantly destroy the 

 part touched, and this is "why I place it at the bottom of the 

 border, to be there for the future use of the ^dne, and out of 

 the way of doing mischief. If this material is to be used as 

 a top dressing, it should remain in the compost heap till it is 

 entirely decomposed. I consider it, Avhen placed as directed, 

 at the bottom of the border, a most valuable material for the 

 nourishment of the grape vine ; but, if whole bones of ani- 

 mals can be obtained in sufficient quantities, I give them the 

 preference ; not that they are more valuable, but because the 

 slaughter-house manure is (let it be ever so fresh,) ahvays an 

 unpleasant and disagreeable object. 



In countries (as I presume is the case in England.) where 

 the heads and bones of animals are considered too valuable to 

 be thrown into the manure heap at the shambles, the most 

 lastmg, and, for this purpose, the part constituting its proper- 

 ties for Avhich it has been recommended are wanting, and it is 

 of no more value than any other stimulating manure. 



" As some difference of opinion exists respecting the proper 

 covering for vine borders, I have ventured to give the mate- 

 rial I use, which answers (under the cu-cumstances,) as well 

 as any thing I have seen recommended. At the first appear- 

 ance of frost, I cover the border with dry beech or oak 

 leaves, (two feet or more in tliickness,) newly fallen from the 

 trees if I can get them ; cover with a little litter to keep 

 them from blowing away. In spring, as soon as fine weather 

 sets in, I remove the leaves entirely, fork the border over 

 lightly, and add a nice top dressing of rotten manure mixed 

 with the best soil I can procure. 



" In making the border, I have followed Mr. Iloare's plan, 

 as far as possible. The foundation is flagged over with a deej) 

 drain runninr;; round the outside. I laid on the flags eighteen 



