J. E. TILTOX & CO. S PUBLICATIOXS. 



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THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



BY W. C. STRONG. 



" This book, in all that relates to its mechanical execution, is simple 

 elegant ; and of the matter and manner of the author we can also speak in 

 very high terms. He is evidently a practical vigneron, and, for the guid- 

 ance of the inexperienced, has aimed to give plain, simple, concise rules, 

 not novel, but practical and approved. His opening chapter is historical. 

 The second treats of the vine in a botanical point of view. The third and 

 fourth contain all that one need know to enable him to increase his stock 

 of vines, either by cuttings in the open air, or in hotbeds, or by layering 

 and grafting. The next four chapters are upon soil, situation, planting, 

 and training. There is a new mode of training, mentioned as in course of 

 experiment, and therefore not given as a decided success, to which we call 

 particular attention. 



" In the chapter upon manures, which gives a long catalogue of such as 

 are suitable, the reader will find one fact, of greater importance than any 

 other, about fertilization, stated in these words : ' The mechanical con- 

 dition of the soil is quite as important a consideration as its fertility.' 

 Potash (in wood-ashes), lime, and bone-dust take the lead of all fertiliz- 

 ers, in the opinion of Mr. Strong. Coal-ashes are also recommended for 

 the sulphate of lime they contain, and also for their mechanical effects 

 upon a soil somewhat stiff. Ashes, lime, bone, he prefers composted with 

 peat, or similar earth ; and, if stable-manure is applied, let it be put on in 

 autumn. 



" The closing chapter is one of the most valuable, if not altogether the 

 most so, in the book; and it is all the more valuable because it contains 

 matter which will offend a good many readers, who find their pet varie- 

 ties in the rejected list, or see it boldly and authoritatively stated that 

 one sort is only some other well-known sort figuring under a new name." 

 — Xew-Yorli Tribune. 



