CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 215 



loss, but also any perceptible effect of the manure upon 

 the roots. The fall application brings the manure into 

 excellent condition for the use of the plant the following 

 season. When ashes and bones are composted with peat 

 (which is by far the best method), or when stable-manure 

 is used, if the dressing is applied in the fall, it serves also 

 as a protection for the roots against winter frosts. Ashes, 

 or peaty composts, should always be mixed into the soil 

 with the horse-hoe. Some have advocated the applica- 

 tion of stable-manure in the spring, that it may serve the 

 purpose of a mulching during the summer. On most 

 soils, this would be a positive and serious injury. In the 

 dry climate and soil of California, this mulch would prove 

 a great benefit. Also upon very light, dry, and sandy 

 soils, in the Atlantic States, it might be safe to use a 

 mulch. But when we consider the superabundance of 

 rain, and the danger from mildew and rot, we cannot be 

 too careful in keeping our soil warm and dry. The sun 

 should exert its full power to warm the roots as well as 

 the branches. This is the rule. If some one suggests an 

 ugly case of a vine whose roots run out of sight, around 

 a building or under a pavement, and yet yields the best 

 results, we can only sav it is an exceptional case. As 



