252 THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



being at the bottom is the very reason why I place them 

 there. He thinks it will draw the roots from the in- 

 fluence of the sun and air. I think it will prevent them 

 from going so deep as to be out of this influence ; and at 

 a medium depth, they will be less exposed to the changes 

 of the weather, and enjoy a more equal temperature, as 

 well as be less liable to suffer from drought. 



Mr. Hovey covers h^ border, after planting, with a 

 little coarse manure, and, if the weather prove dry, he 

 waters the border. 



In April, before the manure, which was put on to pro- 

 tect the roots, was dug in, ten or fifteen pounds of guano 

 was spread over it. 



In June, the border was mulched with coarse manure 

 and watered. The 30th of June, after refreshing rains, 

 which had washed this manure, and soaked its juices 

 down amongst the roots of the vine, the " grapes swelled 

 their berries very fast," showing conclusively the benefit 

 of the manure. All Mr. Hovey's statements go to prove 

 the value of a rich border. His border, it is true, has no 

 beast, in its original form, therein, but it is composed of 

 the top soil (the cream) of an old pasture, stable manure, 

 and ground bones, (this last material, I think, should 

 come under the head of quackery^ particularly as, in the 

 ground matter, much of it comes immediately into ac- 

 tion,) with the addition of the guano as a top-dressing. 

 The soil was new, and was well manured with substances 

 in which it is well known the grape will flourish, and the 

 vines were not planted near together ; they were in a fine 

 house and undoubtedly judiciously treated ; and, if the 

 plan of adding str?ng stimulating manures, such as 



