214: OPEN AIR GRAPE CULTURE. 



Charcoal is one of the best additioiis to aiij soil. 

 It should be well burnt, however, and free from all 

 smell of creosote, as this substance is rather prejudi- 

 cial to the roots of the grape vine, although it seems 

 to agree with some plants; (chiefly alliaceous, for 

 which soot is a specific). On this account, when 

 used for drainage in j)ots, it should be reburnt. 



I am informed by one successful grape culturist 

 that unless this precaution of reburning is taken with 

 most charcoal, it is rather prejudicial to the roots of 

 young vines in pots tlian otherwise. I have found, 

 however, that if well sprinkled (it need not be satu- 

 rated) with jDutrid urine and allowed to lie for some 

 time, it loses its injurious qualities and retains abund- 

 ant nourishment, which is gi'adually given off to the 

 roots of the plants as they require it. When used as 

 a compost for enriching a vine border it had always 

 better be saturated with night soil or urine. Even 

 brick rubbish, if so treated, becomes of great value. 



Most of these solid matters are best added to the 

 soil in the original formation of the border. This is 

 especially the case with the prunings of the vine, 

 than which notliing can be more valuable. If added 

 when the border is first formed, it will not only fur- 

 nish nutriment for the vine, but will tend to keep the 

 soil open and porous. For our established vines, there- 

 fore, it Avill be best to dej)end upon liquid manure 



