BOOK III. XIII. I2-XIV. 2 



we have fastened a workman's plumb-line." When 

 the instrument so constructed is let down into the 

 trench, it settles all dispute between master and 

 contractor without injustice to either. For the star, 13 

 which we have said has the appearance of the Greek 

 letter, measures the ground at the bottom of the 

 trench and at the same time tests its exact level, 

 because, if there is any slope downward or up- 

 ward, it is detected by the position of the instrument ; 

 for the plumb-Hne that is placed on the afore- 

 mentioned rod shows the one or the other and does 

 not allow the overseer of the work to be deceived. 

 The work so measured and levelled off progresses 

 always towards a likeness to tilled fallow ; and as 

 the line is moved ahead, as much space is taken 

 up as is occupied by the length and breadth of the 

 trench that has been dug.^ And this method of 

 preparing ground is most approved. 



XIV. There follows the task of planting the vine ; 

 it is properly set out either in spring or in autumn ; 

 preferably in the spring if the weather is rainy or cold, 

 or if the land is either fat or flat and wet plain ; in 

 autumn, on the other hand, if the atmosphere is dry 

 or warm, if it is a poor and dry plain or a lean and steep 

 hill. There are about forty days of the spring plant- 

 ing, from the Ides of February '^ up to the equinox ; 

 and of the autumn planting, from the Ides of 

 October to the Calends of December.** Moreover, 2 

 there are two kinds of planting, with cuttings or 

 with quicksets, both of which are in use by fanners; 

 and in the provinces more use is made of the cutting, 

 for they do not concern themselves with nurseries 



' Feb. 13. * Oct. 15-Dec. 1. 



VOL. I. M 



