34 A MANUAL OF 



crease the warmth of the soil in which it is 

 grown should be done. 



When the plants are ready, and the season 

 far enough advanced for setting them, do not 

 wait for a rain, but proceed with the work. 

 Never think of setting them on level that is, 

 unridged ground, but after thoroughly plough- 

 ing and manuring the soil, ridge it up in high, 

 narrow ridges. A gravelly loam is best, and, 

 as we have said of the soil for the propagating 

 beds, if it can be mixed with coal-dust, black 

 muck, or some other loosening, dark-colored 

 material, which will not only enliven the soil, 

 but by its color absorb more of the sun's rays, 

 it will help matters wonderfully. 



The ridges are now slightly levelled off at 

 top, and will be found in fine order for setting 

 the plants, which is easily done by the hand, 

 on the ridges, at the distance of about eighteen 

 inches apart The rows, or centres of ridges, 

 should be three feet apart, so that horse culti- 

 vation can be given. These ridges are not to 

 be worked down in after-cultivation, but left 

 with straight or nearly perpendicular sides, so 

 that the sun can warm them through. If set 

 on the level surface, the vines will grow luxu- 

 riantly enough, but will shade the soil and 



