90 THE GRAPE CULTUBIST. 



a great portion of the enriching materials that have been 

 applied to the surface has been carried down by the 

 rains, to the subsoil below. But the natural richness of 

 the subsoil when thrown upon the surface should seldom 

 be depended upon, but manure must be added, and 

 thoroughly incorporated with it before planting. 



There are many circumstances in which the soil may 

 be inverted to the depth of two feet with benefit such 

 as sandy or light loamy soils, or where manure can be 

 liberally applied, and a year be given for the ameliora- 

 tion of the condition of the subsoil before planting. 

 Where these circumstances do not exist, it is best not to 

 throw the subsoil on top, but to mix it with the surface- 

 soil at the time of trenching. 



To do this thoroughly and conveniently, the work- 

 men should stand in the trench, and keep an open space 

 at the bottom on which to stand. Then, by digging 

 down the bank and throwing it over against the opposite 

 side, break up the lumps at the same time ; the soil may 

 not only be thoroughly pulverized, but the surface-soil 

 and subsoil will become thoroughly intermingled. 



A five-tined spading-fork is the best implement for 

 trenching, unless the soil is very hard and stony ; in such 

 cases the spade and pick must be used. 



Although trenching is indispensable upon very hard 

 and stony soils and upon steep sidehills, on level situa- 

 tions or those with only a moderate inclination (and 

 they are always preferable) the plow may take the place 

 of the spade, and it will very much lessen the expense of 

 preparation. If the soil is stirred to the depth of from 

 fifteen to twenty inches, which it may be by using a sub- 

 soil plow, it will be as deep as is really necessary to 

 insure a good and healthy growth of vine. 



I no not believe that it is desirable to encourage the 

 roots to penetrate to a great depth, especially in a north- 

 ern climate, for when the roots penetrate deeply they do 



