10 



In some instances, deep subsoiling or trenching may be un- 

 necessary, or not to be recommended, such as, when the surface 

 soil consists of a very thin layer overlying a substratum of loose 

 and broken stones. In that case, the naturally brashy character of 

 the subsoil, by permitting the roots to penetrate it, renders deep 

 tillage either unnecessary or even unadvisable. 



Under cooler climates, when the soil does not receive much 

 warmth from the sun, and this does not concern the Australian 

 vine-grower, it is advisable to stir the soil as little as possible, and, 

 moreover, to plant thickly, so as to dwarf the vine and favour the 

 growth of superficial roots, which will benefit by the full amount of 

 heat from the sun's rays, while the grapes will be richer in fruit- 

 sugar and the wine of a, better quality. In Champagne and 

 Burgundy, for instance, the soil is only ploughed about 10 inches 

 on an average, as against 18 to 20 inches in the South of France 

 and in Algeria. 



In Australia a thorough stirring of the soil to the depth of 14 

 to 16 inches, according to localities and to soils, would certainly not 

 be excessive, and would soon repay its cost over and over again, by 

 the surplus yield which may well be expected. 



The best time for ploughing is after the autumn rain has 

 softened the soil. After ploughing a thorough harrowing should 

 be given, and as much couch and noxious weeds as possible removed 

 and burnt. 



The land is left in this rough condition all through the winter, 

 then harrowed and ploughed crosswise not subsoiled late in the 

 winter, and prepared for planting by means of more harrowing and 

 rolling, if necessary. 



Late ploughing in the winter will leave the ground dirty, as at 

 the cross-ploughing a quantity of seeds of weeds will be brought to 

 the surface, which will germinate and soon overrun the field ; while, 

 on the other hand, by early autumn and winter ploughing these 

 seeds will germinate and be eradicated before planting time, while 

 the land will be given a chance of getting thoroughly sweetened by 

 the mellowing action of rain and air during the winter months, 

 and the cuttings, as well as rooted plants, will in consequence strike 

 better. 



DRAINAGE 



is as essential to the healthy growth of fruit trees as it is to the 

 sanitary requirements of the surroundings of the habitation of 

 man and beast. 



Damp soil, on which sheep contract foot rot, liver rot or fluke, 

 marshy stretches overgrown with rushes, sedge, or other water, 

 loving plants, will not, unless properly drained, grow healthy fruit 

 trees or vines. Marshy patches and water-logged soils are often to 

 be met with on level flats or in hollows ; occasionally also they occur 

 on hillsides, should a bank of clay or a ledge of rock cause an 



