« 



THE CULTUEE OF THE GEAPE. 109 



and even borders of proper dimensions, if the subsoil is 

 wet and the drainage imperfect. Depend upon it, the 

 most essential condition in vine culture is a border so 

 constructed as to insure a ready passage of superabund- 

 ant moisture in the wettest seasons. The young fibrous 

 roots of vines are exceedingly tender, and soon rot when 

 soddeued in cold wet soil ; consequently, the plant, be- 

 ing thus deprived of its mouths, may starve in the midst 

 of plenty. According to the extent of the injury to the 

 roots, so will the fruit suffer. On the same principle, 

 (deficient nutrition,) over-cropping will produce the same 

 result, even when the roots are in a healthy state." 



Any quantity of extracts might be added to these, but 

 the above are sufficient to show the extent of the disease, 

 and the principal reasons assigned for its cause by prac- 

 tical men. The Frontignans and Muscats are more sub- 

 ject to the evil than any other varieties, and the cause in 

 these cases undoubtedly often may be, injury to the roots 

 from too much moisture ; for these vines will not suc- 

 ceed in any situation but where the roots can be kept 

 dry, at tiie approach of the period for the maturation of 

 the fruit. Nor will they succeed thus situated, unless 

 they have a free circulation of hot air around their tops ; 

 and, when the fruit is ripe, this circulation of air must 

 be continued, and attention given to keeping it as dry as 

 possible, otherwise the fruit will soon decay. 



In conclusion, it may be, in my opinion, thus summed 

 up, that shanking or shrivelling is a disease peculiar to 

 the grane in its culture under glass structures, caused by 

 a deficiency of nourishment, which deficiency is occa- 

 sioned principally by a defective atmosphere in the house, 



