MANAGEMENT OF VINES AND "WINES IN CAAMPAGNE. §55 



grounds, and two feet in light. A distance of three feet is 

 left between the rows, and the plants in one are placed op- 

 posite the intervals of the other. 



They are propagated by layers: for which purpose a Propagation by 

 turf should be cut from a meadow, or a marsh ; the branch layers. 

 to be laid should be introduced into a hole made in the mid- 

 dle ofwthis turf, and then fixed in the ground with it, in a 

 sloping position. The root will form in the course of the 

 year, and then the layer must be cut off close to the stock, 

 and taken \\p with its turf. 



Grafting is almost out of use. The fruit indeed is larger, Grafting dis- 

 but it is much more liable to fail from the slightest misma- US€ * 1 - 

 nagement, does not pToduce so sound a wine, and the vines 

 do not last so long by far. 



A good vineyard will continue to produce well for fifty How long Joes 

 or sixty years, and frequently more, if well managed. If a vineyard last • 

 the layers be not planted deep enough, the vineyard will be 

 covered with trailing roots, forming a sort of floor, so that 

 there will be no place to lay down fresh shoots, and it must 

 be broken up. 



For white wine black and white grapes are planted indis- What grapes 

 criminately in the same vineyard, which is perhaps wrong, f^ white ^Uk!! 

 as they do not ripen at the same time. But wine made en- 

 tirely from black grapes would be too strong, and apt to 

 become pricked in hot years : and entirely from white it 

 would be too mellow, as these grapes contain more muci- 

 lage than the black. 



The kinds of grape cultivated are not many. The black Black generally 

 are generally preferred for several reasons. They are not pre e 

 so soon spoiled by frost or rain, which are common about 

 vintage-time ; and they give more strength and body to the 

 wine. Yet there are some places, where the wine is much 

 esteemed, though they have few black grapes. 



As there is no danger from the frost in spring but at sun- Danger fronv 

 rise, an eastern exposure has most to apprehend from it, s P rill S tosts ' 

 but no aspect is exempt from the danger. No means of 

 guarding against it have jet been discovered. 



On resuming the labours of the vineyard, about the end Management of 

 of February or in March, the first thing to be done, and the vint y ard * 

 ©tie of the jnost essential, since on it depends the greatness 



Of 



