50 THE GRAPE, 
an unctuous paste, more fit to puddle a duck pond with, 
than for the tender and fleshy roots of the grape vine to 
luxuriate in. If proof of this were wanted, there are 
plenty of examples if they were to be examined, where 
the roots that have come into contact with these masses 
of sozp-like substances, befwre they were thoroughly de- 
have continued to do well, it is not from the nutriment 
derived from them, but from their ready adaptability to 
form fresh spongeoles from the back roots, which m. may 
have travelled in other directions, and with good treat- 
ment added. 
The advocates of this putrid animal matter, contend for 
the greater invigorating powers and more lasting proper 
ties, than is to be found in barnyard manure, or decayed 
pata substances. ‘To the first we will agree, pro- 
viding the stimulating porticns be administered in a proper 
manner, and here ends this part of the difference ; but how 
it is to be more lasting, is another prt of the subject. It is 
a well-known fact, that highly pep cIREED manures, during 
Ce ag aegis off very freely volatile ammonia cun- 
tained in them, and as this is a eee pene, to vegeta- 
tion during active paren it is easily seen how such 
wonderful effect is produced ; as this exciting principic, 
_ from its evanescent properties, porcolates into every aper- 
ture in its eseape, and no doubt a portion is taken up in a 
_ gaseous state by the young and readily absorbing spon- 
_ geoles. But does it follow, that this is any proof of per- 
o aanent action. Judging from the premises it would appear 
the very reverse, and the frequent use of other manures 
—guano, for instance—have bgoied 
