THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 45 



The proportions recommended for this border, are one- 

 half loam, one fourth bones, or other strong manure, one- 

 eighth oyster shells, or lime and brick rubbish, and one- 

 eighth rotten stable manure. 



Before planting the vines, the border should be spaded 

 over, to mix well the top substances, being careful not to 

 disturb the strong manures at bottom, as these substances, 

 when decomposing, would destroy any of the roots of 

 the vine with which they came in contact. 



Should the soil be poor, decrease the proportion used 

 in preparing the border, and, in the same ratio, increase 

 the manures, or substitute the top soil of a loamy pasture. 



If the soil is very poor, or unsuitable for the purpose, 

 80 as to require to be removed entirely, then a compost, 

 prepared thus, is recommended : — one half to be the top 

 soil of an old pasture ; one quarter to be bones, or some 

 other strong manure ; one eighth oyster shells, or lime 

 and brick rubbish ; one-eighth rotten manure ; these ar- 

 ticles thrown together in a heap, and so to remain until 



In preparing this border, tliere -was found a difference in tlie natural soil, 

 part of it being a very rieb yellow loam, several feet deep, and part of it a 

 gravelly or slaty soil, not more than two feet deep, upon a bottom of rot- 

 ten rook. The rich soil did not require as much manure as the thin, and 

 received le.=s. but more shells, and old mortar, and bricks ; and the thin 

 slaty soU received more than the above proportions of manures, and less of 

 the shells, etc. This border is on a hill-side, and these are the extremes 

 of soUs at the top and bottom. Thus situated, there was no occasion for 

 rocks, or any kind of drainage at the bottom of the border, and, consequent- 

 ly, none was used. In a border since made, to the above ingredients, I 

 have added a good proportion of charcoal screenings, and, when they can 

 be had conveniently, they should always form a part of the compost, as be- 

 ing valuable, tending to keep the soil porous and light, and, also, as afford- 

 ing moisture in seasons of drought, and as absorbents of ammonia from the- 

 atmosphere. 



