21 THE VINE-DRESSERS MANUAL. 



raise banks by sodding them with green sward. They 

 are not as good as stone walls, since the green sward is 

 apt to subject the neighboring vines to frost, but the 

 ground must be protected from Avashing even at this 

 risk. I take it for granted, however, that there are very 

 few side hiUs indeed, where by trenching deep enough, 

 there will not be the required quantity of stones. 



I have thus indicated the general rules by which 

 we must be guided in the preparation of the ground in 

 each special case, and I must now only add, that it is 

 a great but frequent error to suppose that throwing old 

 logs, brushwood or stones, underneath, promotes the 

 growth of vines. They may not hinder them, if well 

 packed with ground, but great care should be taken not 

 to leave vacuities, as they are sure to impart to the " foot 

 roots" an unhealthy state. Vines should always be 

 planted after the ground is well settled, and not before. 

 The ground should also be well harrowed, so as to ren- 

 der it perfectly even and in complete cultivating order. 



Before dismissing this chapter I would add, that 

 according to my experience, there is, in fact, but little 

 actual difference in the cost between a well-trenched 

 vineyard and one slovenly laid out. To trench an acre 

 three feet deep, is worth in common soil $100 ; two feet 

 deep, $75. With large ploughs, followed by subsoilers, 

 an acre costs about $25. To dig holes, merely costs 

 about $15. But mark it, you save in a well-trencherl 



