2o6 Vineyard Culture. 



fluence of the sunshine. Where the vines are planted in 

 squares, and trained to stakes, it is sometimes found desirable, 

 at this working, to plow across the rows, and thus stir the 

 soil between the plants, that was not touched by the plow or 

 cultivator during the summer cultivation. Moreover, in our 

 wide planting, two furrows to a space will not be sufficient to 

 loosen all the soil, but three or four rounds, or more, will be 

 required, beginning in the middle, and gathering a narrow 

 land between two rows. 



As to the time of the first plowing, in the spring, there is 

 a diversity of opinions. Some advise its being done early, 

 to admit the air and sunshine to the soil, to warm it; while 

 others recommend it being so done, because, they say, the 

 vines will not start so early as on firm ground, and may thus 

 escape the effects of a late forst. Some practical men post- 

 pone the plowing until the first weeds, such as the shepherd's- 

 purse {Capsella bursa pastoris), and others of early habits, have 

 grown up several inches, and are in blossom. Thus, quite a 

 coating of green manure may be turned into the soil, for its 

 melioration, while the tardy vine-dresser has a good plea for 

 his procrastination of the work. 



The danger of frost is no doubt increased by plowing, as 

 the soil is thus placed in a condition to radiate its warmth 

 much more readily than when it was compact and level. It 

 is well known that frosts — those of spring, particularly — are 

 generally caused by the cooling of the surface, effected by the 

 progress of radiation of the caloric, during clear nights, and, 

 as well established, that this process is more rapid from a 

 freshly plowed surface than from a compact stale furrow.] 



Implements used in JVorking the Ground. — On steep 

 slopes, the working of the ground can only be executed 

 by means of hand-implements ; the plow can not be 

 used. The form of the tools employed in working the 

 ground varies very much, according to the localities. 



