MANURING. 291 



from the sea coast if sprinkled on the soil, but when sprinkled 

 on the leaves it is supposed it would be injurious, as by caus- 

 ing- them to be enlarged to a great degree, it might retard the 

 maturity of the fruit. The disadvantage of powerful manures 

 plentifully applied, must be considered as more particularly 

 affecting the grapes of very delicate flavour, which make the 

 finer wines. They produce little or no effect on those of a 

 coarser and more common character, and none on brandies. 

 Being therefore a most powerful auxiliary, and one which so 

 greatly increases the produce, it may be very liberally applied 

 without fear of injury, except in the case first mentioned. 



Ashes may be classed among the most suitable manures, 

 and from its plentifulness and cheapness among us, may always 

 be obtained in sufficient quantities. Its use is deemed advan- 

 tageous both to mingle with the earth in filling up the holes or 

 trenches where the vines are planted, and to incorporate with 

 the soil in the various operations of preparing or manuring it. 

 Its value may be justly appreciated from its similitude to vol- 

 canic remains, which are so well known as the most propitious 

 soils for the production of superior wines. 



Where the vineyard is based on a rocky foundation, moist- 

 ened ashes is often strewed at the bottom of the trenches, and 

 also mixed with the soil used in filling them up, as it serves to 

 maintain the freshness and looseness of the ground, and to 

 counteract the effects of reflected heat. 



An easy method of forming a compost suitable for vines, 

 is to spread layers of dung, and of sods, or good rich mould, 

 one above another, which should remain for one or two years 

 previous to using, during the latter part of which time, it should 

 be twice or thrice turned over, and the parts well mixed and 

 incorporated with each other. Lime, ashes, dead leaves, and 

 the black soil found in forests, formed by decomposed parts 

 of vegetation, are most valuable additions to this compost. 



Horn shavings, which I have already mentioned as an ex- 

 cellent manure, may be obtained at the comb factories in 

 many of our cities, and when obtainable at a reasonable rate, 

 say at two or three cents per bushel, should be purchased for 



