F. RUBENS UPON THE VINE ANT) ITS TREATMENT. 305 



for grape-vines. An exposure toward the north is the least fa- 

 vorable ; toward the east considerably better, especially if western 

 mountain ridges afford protection, or a plain exists upon wliicli 

 the winds may be warmed, A western exposure is yet poorer 

 than an eastern, unless certain causes should act favorably upon 

 it. Local considerations must be taken into account. 



2. The Soil. — The grape-vine loves to have a loose and mellow 

 soil, more light than heavy, not too rich, but warm. Generally a 

 vineyard is judged by its surface soil ; but the bottom soil is also 

 of great importance, as the roots will extend largely. That is al- 

 ways the best which gives the least hinderance to the expansion 

 of the roots, and, without being wet, contains sufficient moisture. 

 A knowledge of the bottom soil is then of eminent service, if 

 poorly-productive soil is to be improved. A greater influence 

 upon the development of the grape-vine than the bottom soil has 

 the surface soil, because this will come in a greater contact with 

 the plant. The main point, if the vines are to thrive well, is that 

 the soil should be mellow, so that the roots may expand without 

 any hinderance to seek nourishment, and the heat penetrate easily, 

 and no superfluous moisture will gather. For which reason, soil 

 containing many and different ingredients will prove the most 

 beneficial for vines ; as, for instance, decomposed granite, lava, etc., 

 upon which the vines will thrive beautifully, and are not liable to 

 the different diseases. Silicious and calcareous earths, if predom- 

 inant, are best adapted for grape culture, especially if mixed with 

 some clay. If these ingredients are entirely deficient in the soil, 

 they may be supplied by manure. If clay is predominant, the soil 

 "will be heavy and binding ; will retard the expansion of roots, 

 and Avill receive the water tolerably easy, but will be long moist, 

 through which the soil will get cold. To improve such land ar- 

 tificially would prove too expensive. 



8, Selection of Vines. — This is often very difficult, as not only the 

 locality and soil has to be regarded, but the nature of the vine 

 and the quality of the product raised must be taken into consid- 

 eration. The following may serve for a guide : 



In districts of hot and southern exposure, the white Eiesling 

 commands the first place, which combines all qualities to produce 

 a first class wine. 



Should the soil be too rich in such location, and the Eiesling, 

 through a rank growth, impair the quality of its product, the red 

 Traminer {Auvernas rouge clair) may be taken, which will produce 

 a first class article. In the same category comes the spice Trami- 

 ner, This variety is, in regard of locality, more easily affected, 

 and will invariably require a warm and sheltered place. For a 

 second class location as regards soil and place, and commanding 

 attention for their early ripening and the quantity of the produce, 

 the Rulander {Oris commun), the black Clavner {Morillon noir), 

 and Sylvaner, are recommenclable. The Eulander will produce a 



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