52 



VINEYARDS. 



to be affected by the early frost, otherwise the crop will 

 be in danger of being cut off before coming to maturity. 

 All cultivators of the vine agree that a light, dry, warm 

 soil is the best. If it can be found, a soil composed of 

 decaying calcarious rocks should be selected. This 

 should be well worked to the depth of eighteen inches 

 at least, and enriched with well decomposed manure to 

 which should be added, (if not already contained in 

 the soil,) some portion of lime and crushed bones — 

 some wood ashes will also be beneficial, especially in a 

 dry season. If the ground is well prepared and 

 enriched at the outset, an annual top-dressing will be 

 all that will be required to keep the vineyard in a flour- 

 ishing and healthy conditon for two or three years. 



Although much has been written and said in regard 

 to the best method for cultivating the Grape, we appre- 

 hend, by a large part of the community, the subject is 

 still very imperfectly understood. Any careful observer 

 cannot fail to notice, that most of the vines planted in 

 our gardens, and about our dwellings, have been suf- 

 fered to retain all their native habits. Instead of being 

 judiciously trimmed and properly trained, as they should 

 be every year, they are permitted to grow unmolested, 

 not only about the arbor or trellis provided for their 

 accommodation, but if by chance a tree comes within 

 their reach, they are allowed to stretch forth their ten- 

 drills to the nearest twigs and thus find ample means to 

 assist them in their rambles, and gratify all their roving 

 propensities. All who suffer their vines thus to wander 

 unmolested, have good reason to expect their crop will 

 be a failure. Every Grape-grower, whether on a larger 

 or smaller scale, for the vineyard or garden, should 

 have a suitable trellis or arbor, beyond which the vine 



