BOOK XVII. XXXV. 165-168 



is that of one in which the vinc is left to stand by 

 itself without a stay, for this is only done when 

 there is a shortage of props. A vineyard with the 

 single cross-bar is arranged in a straight row which 

 is called a canterhis ; this is better for wine, as the 

 vine so grown does not overshadow itself and is 

 ripened by constant sunshine, and is more exposed 

 to currents of air and so gets rid of dew more quickly, 

 and also is easier for trimming and for havrowing the 

 soil and all operations ; and above all it sheds its 

 blossoms in a more beneficial manner. The cross- 

 bar is made of a stake or a reed, or else of a rope of 

 hair or hemp, as in Spain and at Brindisi. More wine 

 is produced by a rectangle-frame vineyard (the name 

 is taken from the rectangular openings in the roofs 

 of the courts of houses) ° ; this is divided into compart- 

 ments of four by the same number of cross-bai-s. 

 The method of growing vines with this frame will 

 be described, and the same account will hokl good 

 in the case of every sort of frame, the only difference 

 being that in this case it is more complicated. 



There are in fact three wavs of planting a vinc ; prepnration 

 the best is to use ground that has been dug over, the %'Jl/'J^""T^ 

 next best to plant in a furi-ow. and the last to plant piauHiig. 

 in a hole. The method of digging over has been 

 described ; for a furrow a spade's breadth is enough, § 159. 

 and for holes the breadth of a yard each way. In 

 each method the depth must be a yard, and con- 

 sequently the vine transplanted mast be not less 

 than a yard long, even so allowing two buds to be 

 above the surface. It is essential to soften the earth 

 by making very small furrows at thc bottom of tlie 

 hole and to mix dung witli it. Sloping ground 

 requires deeper holes, with their edges on the lower 



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