Manures and Chemical Applications. " 235 



being less rich than that of the farm-yard, is preferable 

 for vineyards of celebrated growths, as it affects the 

 qi^ality of the wine in a less degree. It is often used in 

 Champagne. 



The Slimy- Mud of Rivers and Ponds., or the Sea. — 

 These deposits are often very rich in organic matter, 

 in a state of decomposition ; but they contain acid 

 properties which can only be made to disappear by ex- 

 posing them to the air for a year, in a thin layer, on the 

 surface of the ground. They may be employed sooner 

 by mixing them, three months beforehand, with a cer- 

 tain quantity of the refuse lime from the kilns. We 

 except sea-mud, however, which may be used imme- 

 diately. 



Herbaceous Plants, — When none of the foregoing 

 manures can be procured, their place may be supplied 

 by herbaceous plants, sowed in the soil of the vineyard. 

 These plants are turned in by means of the plow, at 

 the time when they are about to blossom. But, for 

 this purpose, the vines must be in rows. In the South 

 and South-West, the plants to be employed are the 

 white lupin, in light soils, and the winter horse-bean in 

 clayey lands. In the middle and north of the vine- 

 growing region, recourse may be had to the winter- 

 vetch and rye. This sowing shodld take place imme- 

 diately after the first winter plowing. 



In some vineyards, on the banks of the Rhone, it is 

 usual to bury, in a fresh state, certain plants which grow 

 abundantly in marshy places, such as reeds, Indian-grass, 

 rushes, sedge, etc. These several vegetable manures 

 are less rich than farm-yard manures, but they have the 

 advantage of being much less expensive. 



