CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 51 



the sides being of brick. This simple method has been 

 recently brought more prominently into notice by Mr. 

 E. H. Hooker, of Rochester, N.Y. An objection to these 

 tanks has been made, that, in the changes of temperature 

 of the earth, the bottom of the tank will crack and leak ; 

 but this is disputed, and it seems reasonable, that provided 

 the preparation of the foundation is thorough, and the 

 cement is properly applied, the work may be made tight 

 and durable. An equally cheap, and I think a better 

 tank was first constructed and used by Mr. Asa Cum- 

 mings, of Reading, Mass. This appears, thus far, to be 

 perfect in all respects. It is simply a slate tank, top and 

 bottom (ordinary roofing slate), with sides of brick. In 

 comparison with iron water-pipes, the slate tank seems to 

 be as dry, and impervious to steam, gives off the heat with 

 equal facility, gives a better horizontal surface for bottom- 

 heat, and, chiefest of all, is far more economical. The 

 construction is extremely simple, and it can be done by 

 any one used to the trowel. For the propagating-house, 

 procure slate twelve by eighteen inches in size, the length 

 of the slate being the width of the tank. After the walk 

 is dug, make the surface on each side perfectly level and 

 solid. Then place rows of brick on each bank, at right 

 angles to the walk, for a foundation ; the length of the 



