288 THE CULTUKE OF THE GRAPE. 



application of liquid manure, to cause the grapes to swell 

 off large and full.- 



This discussion of the subject of manures is well worthy 

 the attention of cultivators. Instead of supporting Mr. 

 Hovej's assertion, that experienced cultivators held the 

 same opinions as he did, respecting the " quackery, so 

 often recommended," as the use of oyster shells, or boiled 

 bones, dead cattle, etc., I am rather inclined to believe, 

 that the judicious use of them is advocated ; certainly, 

 it is admitted, that they are promoters of vegetation. 

 Chaptal even allows, that the effect of manure is to in- 

 crease the growth of wood and fruit ; but, he adds, the 

 effects are deceptive ; for, after a time, the manure will 

 cease to act, and the vine will languish. But is not this 

 failure caused by neglecting to renew the manure? 

 Plant a vine in a new soil, a good loam for instance, it 

 will grow well, and bear fruit for some years, but soon 

 (as Chaptal says of the manured vine,) it will cease to 

 bear fruit, or only in a diminished degree. Kenew this 

 soil by adding to it more loam or manure, either as a 

 solid or liquid, and it will regain its former vigor. The 

 soil must be strengthened by .yearly application of suit- 

 able matter. That harm is done by improper manuring, 

 I have no doubt. If vines, when youno-, are too highlv 

 manured, and this stimulant is not constantly kept up, 

 they will fail to do well ; and this is what I should most 

 fear from Mr. Koberts's system ; not from the bodies of 

 animals deposited in the border, but from the manure 

 placed on the surface to produce heat. 



Dr. Lindley, if I understand his language, does not 

 discourage the use of the articles named by Mr. Hovey, 



