CULTIVATION OF FRUIT 439 



space chiefly with turfy loam the coarser the better. If broken up 

 into very small particles, it does not remain sweet and wholesome so 

 long as when turves chopped into about four pieces are used, neither 

 does it afford so attractive a rooting medium as coarse fibrous 

 loam. 



To ensure annual crops of Grapes, mix other ingredients with the 



FIG. 33. Vines in lean-to house : back wall practically useless. 



loam. Two of the most easily obtainable, and at the same time 

 the most valuable, are wood ashes, and lime and brick rubble. 

 The latter allows the water to pass freely through the border, thus 

 preventing the soil becoming sour through the presence of stagnant 

 water. In a heavy, clayey soil, naturally more of this would be 

 required than in a sandy one. Wood ashes are excellent for mixing 



