CULTURE OF THE GRAPE 235 



air, and exposed to cold draughts, and that a low-trained 

 vine relies upon its favoring circumstances. Of course, we 

 would wish to avoid the dew, because a cold dry air is 

 less injurious to vegetation than a cold damp air. But, if 

 we may hope to retain a higher temperature underneath 

 the vine, we may also trust that the dew upon the upper 

 surface will not in itself be a serious injury. Actual trial 

 can alone determine this. While it is true that an expo- 

 sure to strong draughts of air is an injury to the foliage, 

 which tends to mildew, it is equally true that foliage 

 growing in a close or a shady place is almost a certain 

 prey to mildew. Hence it is that close fences are re- 

 garded by some as undesirable. A certain amount of 

 circulation is necessary to keep the air sweet and dry, and 

 to produce a firm instead of a succulent growth. We 

 may sum up our views, under the head of preventing 

 the seeds of fungi from taking root, as follows : So long 

 as we can keep the foliage of the vine in perfect health, 

 we are safe against attacks. Whatever tends to promote 

 firm growth, especially the use of ashes, is beneficial. A 

 light and warm soil is least affected. Copings which 

 guard from the cold night-air are also a benefit. Any 

 thing done in either of these three directions, which pro- 

 motes the health of the vine, and prevents that debility 



