SOIL AND SITUATION. 89 



Nearly all the writers on grape culture recommend the 

 declivities of hills and mountains inclining to the south as 

 the best exposure for a vineyard ; and the next in order 

 are the southeast, east, southwest, but never a north or a 

 full western exposure. Virgil said, " Nor let thy vineyard 

 bend toward the sun when setting," and these words are 

 as applicable at the present time as they were two thou- 

 sand years ago. 



A full southern exposure is no doubt preferable in the 

 Northern States, and if the land descends to the south, so 

 much the better ; but if very steep, it will cost more to pre- 

 pare and keep in order than if it is level. While I admit 

 that a side-hill is a very desirable location for a vineyard, 

 I am quite certain that there are many situations equally 

 good that are perfectly level or nearly so. 



I have often observed that the success of a vineyardist 

 was attributed to his soil and situation, but never to the 

 skill of the cultivator or to the varieties grown, and this, 

 no matter whether his soil was light or heavy, or the situ- 

 ation low or elevated. Still, we know that soil and situa- 

 tion have often much influence upon the growth and quality 

 of the fruit ; for the instances of such an effect being pro- 

 duced are too common in Europe, at least, to aUow us to 

 deny its truth. 



In selecting a situation for a vineyard, all the surround- 

 ings should be closely observed and taken into account. 

 If the land has no protection from the north and northwest, 

 see what the facilities are for supplying one either by walls 

 or a belt of trees. [If trees are to be used, evergreens are 

 best, and often the small trees may be had in the woods 

 near by we now refer to the Northern States.] ' See that 

 the land is sufficiently elevated, thirty to forty feet at least 

 above streams or ponds of water ; for, if near the level of 

 small bodies of water, the situation will very likely be sub- 

 ject to early and late frosts. 



Large bodies of water are not so injurious as small, as 





