100 THE GRAPE CCLTURIST. 



or cultivator, so that it will the more readily admit the air, 

 and with it heat and moisture. When such soils become 

 surcharged with water, as they frequently do during long 

 rains, they will give off much of the surplus moisture if the 

 surface is kept open and uncovered; but when they are 

 covered with a mulch, they retain too much near the sur- 

 face, and the soil will become soured and the surface roots 

 be destroyed in consequence. With all the care that may 

 be bestowed upon the vine in regard to soils, manures, etc., 

 much will still depend upon the system of pruning and 

 training adopted. 



