GRAPES UNDER GLASS 195 



although there is no objection to steam, especially if the grapery 

 is a part of a large range of glass. 



The border. 



The border in which the vines are to be planted is the most 

 important part of the grapery. All subsequent efforts fail if 

 the border lacks in two imperatives, good drainage and a soil 

 that is rich but not too rich. The grapery must be built on 

 well-drained land or elevated above the ground to permit the 

 construction of a properly drained border. "Border/' in 

 the sense of its being a strip or a narrow bed just inside the 

 house, is now a misnomer, though the name undoubtedly 

 comes from the fact that narrow beds inside the house were 

 at one time used in which to plant vines. The border in a 

 modern grapery now occupies all of the ground surface inside 

 the house and may extend several feet outside the house. 



Much skill is required in building the border. A good formula 

 is : Six parts loamy turf from an old pasture ; one part of well- 

 rotted cow manure; one part of old plaster and one part of 

 ground bone. These ingredients are composted and if the 

 work is well done will meet very well the soil and food require- 

 ments of the grape. This formula can be varied according to 

 soil conditions and somewhat in accordance with the variety 

 planted. Unless natural drainage is well-nigh perfect, the 

 border must be under-drained with tile and in any case a layer 

 of old brick or stone is needful to make certain that the drainage 

 is perfect. At least two feet, better three feet, of the border 

 compost should be placed above the drainage material. In a 

 border made as described, the grape finds ample root-run, but 

 not too much, as in a surprisingly short time roots are found 

 throughout all parts of this extensive border. 



The care of the border is a matter of considerable moment 

 and varies, of course, with those in charge. The usual procedure 

 is to spade the outside border, if the border ^xtends outside, 



