THE CULTURE OF THE GEAPE. 175 



the following year, a quantity of bones, the largest of 

 which was the blade bone of a calf, was digged into the 

 border, five or six feet from the wall. 



" In the spring of 1833, the border was opened, in 

 order to ascertain to what extent the roots of the vine 

 were nourished by these bones. It was found that the 

 roots had branched out in every possible direction 

 amongst them, the surfaces of which were completely 

 covered with their fibres. 



"Bone dust is a very powerful manure, producing im- 

 mediate effect, and is lasting in its duration. 



" Liquid manure is highly valuable, where immediate 

 effect is required. The most powerful are urine, soot- 

 water, blood, the drainings of dungheaps, and soap 

 suds.. The first of these, on account of its saline quali- 

 ties, is better calculated to promote the fertility of the 

 vine than any other liquid. 



" For ■ the purpose of top-dressing, and to be forked 

 into the border when requisite, may be named, as highly 

 enriching manures, night-soil, fish, stabl'e manure, and 

 the excrements of every description of birds and ani- 

 mals. It is necessary further to observe, with respect to 

 the application of liquid manures and top dressings, that 

 care must be taken not to make the surface of the border 

 too rich." 



After the vine has become established, Mr. Hoare 

 says : " The winter being the proper time to manure 

 the border, let it now be lightly forked up, and a good 

 coating of manure laid over it about six inches deep, 

 which will answer the two-fold purpose of enriching tlie 

 border, and protecting the roots of the vine." 



