OF THE MOISTURE OF THE SOIL. 119 



the utility of mixing stones in great quantities with 

 the soil, " as they prevent the accumulation of water 

 in very wet weather, and retain sufficient moisture 

 for the purposes of the plant in dry seasons ;" and 

 when we hear of such precautions as are detailed 

 in the following good account of preparing a Vine 

 border, we only learn how important it is to provide 

 effectually for the removal of superfluous water from 

 around the roots, and how useless a waste of money 

 is that which is expended in forming deep rich beds 

 of earth. 



" In preparing a Yine border," says Mr. Griffin, of 

 Woodhall, a successful grower of grapes, " one foot 

 in depth of the mould from the surface is cleared out 

 from the whole space ; a main drain is then sunk 

 parallel to the house, at the extremity of the border, 

 one foot lower than the bottom of the border ; into 

 this, smaller drains are carried diagonally from the 

 house across the border. The drains are filled with 

 stone. The cross drains keep the whole bottom 

 quite dry ; but if the subsoil be gravel, chalk, or 

 stone, they will not be necessary. The drainage 

 being complete, the whole bottom is covered with 

 brick, stone, or lime rubbish, about six inches thick, 

 and on this is laid the compost for the vines." (Hort. 

 Trans, iv., 100.) 



The practice of placing large quantities of pot- 

 sherds or broken tiles at the bottom of tubs or pots, 

 or other vessels in which plants are rooted, is only 

 another exemplification of the great necessity of 

 attending to the due humidity of the soil, and to the 



