CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 137 



guarded from mildew, I shall have no question of the 

 excellence of the mode. I am aware, that, in the opinion 

 of many, the dews of night are the great prolific cause 

 of mildew, and that partial roofs are recommended for 

 upright trellises for the sole purpose of keeping off the 

 dew ; but I am inclined to think that the cold night air 

 is the true cause of disease. I believe, also, that the vines 

 near the ground will feel the night currents less than 

 when elevated. Possibly the radiating heat of the earth 

 may, to some extent, be preserved by the spreading 

 branches. I trust also, that, by this plan, the moisture will 

 prove to be more uniform and less excessive, as the shade 

 of the vines is more even and less dense in spots. The 

 plan is so contrary to prevailing theories, and, I grant 

 also, to some experiences (which perhaps are exceptional), 

 that I would not advise its extensive adoption without 

 previous trials on a moderate scale ; yet I have so much 

 confidence, that, if there are objections, there are also 

 counteracting or mitigating circumstances, that I shall not 

 hesitate to transform a considerable portion of a present 

 vineyard to this method of training, for trial. 



Though this principle of horizontal training, as has 

 been said, has not heretofore been completely carried out 



