THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 165 



it, using all, or only part of the substances, as tliey are more 

 or less difficult to obtain. If it is intended to form a vine- 

 yard on a gravelly hill, or other spot with such soil, I would 

 use, of these, bones and charcoal, and as much loam from an 

 old pasture, which had been enriched for years by the drop- 

 pings of sheep and cattle, as could be obtained. If none of 

 the articles above named, for the purpose of keeping the 

 earth loose, can be had, other, the best substitute, must be 

 used ; vegetable mould, leaves, straw, shavings, and chips of 

 wood, &c., are suitable. 



With regard to manures for enriching the land, I would 

 have a compost heap prepared, into which should be incorpo- 

 rated, with reference to the ease of obtaining them, any and 

 every article of animal or vegetable matter capable of decom- 

 position. In applying them to the land, the condition of the 

 soil must be taken into consideration, giving more or less ac- 

 cording to its richness, or the reverse. The purpose for 

 Avhich the grapes are to be grown must be considered ; if for 

 dessert, more nourishment will be required ; if for wine, a 

 less quantity will answer. 



After a vineyard has become established, (which will be in 

 five years, according to Chaptal,) if manures are scarce, they 

 may be more economically used by spreading and digging 

 them in, when new ; but it is necessary to be cautious in ap- 

 plying new and raw manures to all fruit-bearing plants ; inex- 

 perienced persons should never apply any but manures from 

 the compost heap, or that have been meliorated by age. If 

 guano is to be used, it is safer to do so by forming a mixture 

 with this and vegetable mould, or loam. As a liquid manure, 

 it is serviceable, using four pounds, at most, to a barrel of 

 I water. 



\ The grape vine requires from four to six months, according 

 to the kinds, to perfect its fruit. (See August Muscat.) 

 Where the season is free from severe frosts this length of 

 time, and there are no other obstacles, as mildew, bhglit, &c., 

 the vine may be cultivated. In hot climates, near the equa- 



