16 



FRUITS. 



is better than a level, or deep valley. Upon hill sum- 

 mits or elevated ground, the temperature is more mild 

 and uniform than in the valleys beneath, and con- 

 sequently such locations are better adapted to the 

 grape." 



MANURING, 



" Like other plants deriving their best nourishment 

 from a return of the chemical constituents which have 

 been extracted from the soil, contained in their own 

 decaying vegetation, the leaves and prunings of the vine 

 are congenial elements for its growth. Bones, old 

 leather, refuse plaster, turf compost, soap suds, &c, 

 constitute good manure. Bones appear to be the best 

 of all substances to promote its permanent vigor. In 

 digging up a grape vine, near which some bones had 

 been buried, I was surprised to see with what avidity 

 the roots sought after them y every bone was literally 

 covered with a network of fibrous rootlets, and every 

 cavity so filled with them that it was impossible to 

 disengage the bones without tearing the rootlets to 

 pieces. A dressing of wood ashes, each year, is a 

 benefit, by supplying the loss of alkalies which are 

 largely consumed by the grape. Whatever element of 

 fertility is applied, it should never be done when the 

 grapes are approaching their full size, nor early in the 

 fall; because the result will be a larger growth of 

 canes, which not being sufficiently matured to with- 

 stand the winter and spring frosts, would hazard the 

 life of the vine. 



Mulching the ground with light manure, muck, or 

 especially with vine leaves, makes an absorbent for the 

 heat during the day, which is in part radiated at night, 

 causing a more equal temperature, and during the hot 



