208 THE CULTUKE OF THE GRAPE. 



that, when it does, by the superior richness of this strata, the 

 roots are effectually prevented from going deeper in search 

 of food ; it is well known that the roots of the grape will 

 form spongioles innumerable over the surface of bones par- 

 tially decomposed, and that they turn and return, on the 

 inside and outside of them, havuig no disposition to part 

 company. 



The cause of Mr. Hovey's objecting to these materials 

 being at the bottom, is the very reason why I place them 

 there. He thinks it willdraw the roots from the influence of 

 the sun and air. I think it will prevent them from going so 

 deep as to be out of this influence ; and at a medium depth, 

 they will be less exposed to the changes of the weather, and 

 enjoy a more equal temperature, as well as be less liable to 

 suffer from drought. 



Mr. Hovey covers his border, after planting, with a little 

 coarse manure, and, if the weather prove dry, he waters the 

 border. 



In April, before the manure, which was put on to protect 

 the roots, was dug in, ten or fifteen pounds of guano was 

 spread over it. 



In June, the border was mulched with coarse manure and 

 watered. The 30th of June, after refreshing rains, wliich had 

 washed this manure, and soaked its juices down amongst the 

 roots of the vine, the " grapes swelled their berries very fast," 

 showing conclusively the benefit of the manure. All Mr. 

 Hovey's statements go to prove the value of a rich border. 

 His border, it is true, has no beast, in its original form 

 therein, but it is composed of the top soil (the cream) of an 

 old pasture, stable manure, and ground bones, (this last 

 material I think should come under the head of quackery ^ 

 particularly as, in the ground, matter, much of it comes im- 

 mediately into action,) with the addition of the guano as a 

 top-dressing. The soil was new, and was well manured with 

 substances in which it is well known the grape will flourish, 

 and the vines were not planted near together ; they were in 



