160 THE CULTUKE OF THE GRAPE. 



is as necessary in a vineyard to destroy weeds, as it is in a 

 field of turnips, or any other crop sown in rows. The pruning 

 of a vine in bearing, the object of which is to produce much 

 fruit without weakening the plant, can only be learnt by ex- 

 perience and practice ; much of the success of a vineyard 

 depends on this operation. In the best vineyards, no manure 

 is used, except that which we mentioned before, of leaves and 

 tendrils ; but some soils require to be recruited, and, without 

 manure, would produce little or no wine. In this case, there 

 is no alternative, and composts must be formed, as is done in 

 common cultivation, with animal and vegetable substances 

 mLxed and decomposed. Horse dung should be avoided, if 

 possilile ;* cow dung is cooler and more nearly of a vegetable 

 nature ; this should be mixed with as much virgin earth from 

 pastures and meadows as can be procured, and laid in small 

 heaps in the intervals between the rows. It may be left a 

 little while, if it has any rank smell, and then forked in round 

 the roots ; the more it is decomposed the better. Many a 

 vineyard has lost its reputation after having been abundantly 

 manured. The Johannisberg was much reduced in value, 

 after having been dunged, while in the possession of General 

 Kellerman. After a certain time, which differs in different 

 situations, the vine becomes less productive from the exhaus- 

 tion of the soil, as is the case when the same crops are re- 

 peatedly sown in the same ground ; this depends on the depth 

 of the soil. All perennial plants shoot out their roots farther 

 and farther every year in search of fresh earth, and it is by 

 this means that trees flourish for a long time on the same spot ; 

 but if the roots are prevented from spreading, or the plants 

 being too crowded, their roots interfere, a diminution of vigor 

 is the consequence. So it is with the vine. In tliis case, the 

 remedy is the same as for land bearing com. A rest is nec- 

 essary, together with the addition of such manures as shall 

 restore the lost fertility." — Penny Cyclopcedia. 



* If the soil is stiff, horse dung is more suitable than cow, and, when old and de- 

 cayed, is no more heating. 



