CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 109 



to such a depth from air and warmth as to prove objec- 

 tionable. 



Such use of material is not only a waste, but a positive 

 injury. The use of whole bones is a decided benefit, yet 

 a most expensive mode of applying nourishment. Some 

 kinds of bones will remain in the ground for half a centu- 

 ry with but little change. It is manifest that it would be 

 poor economy to furnish so expensive and valuable food 

 by such a slow process. It is true that vine-roots will 

 intwine themselves around and through fresh bones, and 

 greedily take up whatever is obtainable; yet the great 

 bulk is forbidden food until crumbled by time. It is said 

 that vine-borders should be supplied with permanent ma- 

 terial which should last as long as the vines themselves. 

 It is indeed of the utmost importance that the composi- 

 tion of the soil should be such that it shall never become 

 sodden, or suffer from drought. Being originally com- 

 posed of suitable earths, and a moderate supply of organic 

 matter, it will be easy to add manures on the surface, 

 from year to year, as the land may require. Unques- 

 tionably the most economical mode of applying manure is 

 to reduce it, as nearly as possible, to a condition for imme- 

 diate use as food for the plant. Stable-manure should 

 be well composted and decomposed. Bones should be 



