212 MANUAL OF MODEKN VITICULTURE. 



(B.) Planting in sand. We may plant rather long 

 cuttings (which grow very well when there is not too much 

 salt in the soil), or sometimes rootlings. 



The quincunx method seems best adapted to the con- 

 ditions of sea sands, because it enables the shoots to cover 

 the whole surface of the soil, and prevents the sand from 

 being blown away by the wind. 



4TH. CULTURAL CARE. 



(A.) Manuring. Care must be taken to avoid, as far as 

 possible, introducing in sandy soil matters which would 

 modify its physical properties, for it may lose its resisting 

 qualities, which, as we have seen, are the result of its 

 mobility. The use of suitable manures even in large 

 quantities does not seem to alter its physical composition, 

 but the accumulation of such matters during a great num- 

 ber of years might have a dangerous influence. Chemical 

 manures and oil cakes seem to be best adapted to these 

 conditions. 



(B.) Summer ploughing. The small number of weeds 

 growing in sea sand does not necessitate numerous plough- 

 ings, and the action of the wind carrying the sand away when 

 it is dry renders ploughing dangerous at certain times. On 

 account of these considerations one ploughing only is given 

 at the end of winter. After this operation rushes, or 

 straw, or marsh plants are spread over the whole surface, 

 and slighly buried with shovels or sharp discs. The object 

 of this is to fix the soil until the autumn rains fall. If, 

 after very heavy rains, weeds grow during the summer, 

 they are pulled out by hand without using a hoe. 



Sulphuring and spraying should be done very thoroughly, 

 on account of the considerable development of cryptogamic 

 diseases resulting from the enormous amount of moisture. 



