22 CuUivatio7i of the Grape Vine. 



to solar agcnc}' more than we are here. Some of the famed vineyards of the 

 Continent occupy sites similar to these, and have obtained notoriety from 

 circumstances of a like kind. Hence it is evident that much of the success 

 attending vine culture in Britain depends upon a judicious choice of site and 

 soil. The finest vines in the West of England grow on the sides of hills, from 

 south-east to south-west, in soil of a strong loamy character, invariably lying 

 over rocks, the mountain limestone and old red sandstone formations here, 

 and the primitive rocks around Bath; and an instance once occurred in my 

 experience, of a vine flourishing in a bed of loose rubble on the side of a hill 

 declining about 10 degrees. Thus it appears from these cases, that the 

 stratum, or bed, and the declination of the situation are important auxiliaries 

 in the successful growth of vines, inasmuch as both are favourable to the 

 admission of solar heat and escape of superfluous water, which, in connexion 

 with others, particularly determine the welfare of most grapes grown in Eng- 

 land. Samples of mould sent here from Oporto, and experiments instituted 

 in past years, convince of the truth of these remarks, and the experience of 

 practical men adds testimony to the same views. In making vine borders it is 

 therefore exceedingly important to have them well drained, and at a consider- 

 able declination. The drains here consist of a continuous mass of stonework, 

 the spaces between being filled with rubble, forming a complete and substantial 

 groundwork for future operations, when it will be productive of the first im- 

 portance. The border is composed as follows, namely, one part turfy sandy 

 loam, one part frame, or cow dung reduced into simple mould, one part road- 

 scrapings from great thoroughfares, and one part bones, carcasses of animals,Jand 

 similar matters, stones, and rubbish ; these, except the animal portion, should be 

 completely amalgamated into a homogeneous mass previously to using. The 

 extent and depth of soil necessary for a vine border may be known by 

 the lie of the ground. If a level or nearly level site, less depth, but if con- 

 siderably sloping, greater ; the former at 2h ft., and the latter at 3 ft. deep, 

 and in both cases extending in proportion to the superficial admeasurement of 

 the roof of the house. 



The next thing to be considered is planting vines, which is undoubtedly 

 best effected in the autumn of the year, or immediately after making wood in 

 the spring, in June. If a vine is planted in June, it will form a fine cane in 

 the same year; but, if in September, it will become established for surer and more 

 permanent results in succeeding years. They should in each case be laid a 

 couple of inches deeper in the soil than they were before; and, if in September, 

 the roots must be carefully loosened from their matted condition, and placed 

 in a lateral direction in the border, and at most 3 or 4 inches under the soil. 

 Muscats should be planted within the house, or else in soil exclusively pre- 

 pared for them, of a drier nature, and in a warmer place. 



With respect to the future management, there are several subjects for con- 

 sideration ; and however well vines may grow, and appear equal to produce a 

 crop of grapes, it is wrong to let them do so till they have attained a sufficient 

 age : the importance of a well-established plant is greater than'any consider- 

 ation of the former kind, unless destined for it originally. If a vine is capable 

 of bearing, it will appear so by the solidness and vigour of the wood, and by 

 the dimensions of its stem ; and it is [)retty evident that, in general, it will not 

 be in this condition under three or four years time. To obtain only a mode- 

 rate crop of grapes, a vine should girt 2^ in. above the ground, and, if less 

 than this, the result will be otherwise than satisfactory. 



Pruning vines is a most important process. Various systems or modes of 

 pruning are adopted, but it appears clear that a successional one is the best; 

 by which I mean a system which includes tlie fine buds situated at the 

 extremities of young shoots. Under usual management, it is impossible to do 

 so without endangering the developement of the lower ones, or inducing ex- 

 haustion by the quantity retained ; for, if the force of excitement be confined 

 to a single rod under equal circumstances, the spaces between the laterals 

 will be insufficient to admit a proper quantity of light, &c. I have hitherto 

 considered it best to prune at the fall of the leaf, whether it be in October or 



