88 THE vine-dresser's manual. 



during summer, as it disturbs tlie growth, and is likely 

 to impart a peculiar taste to tlie wine. 



I have always found it best to spread the compost 

 manure all over the vineyard, well covering it, how- 

 ever, with ground. Special manure I have applied 

 more immediately around the vines, and found it a 

 good practice. , 



During the alternate years in which manure is not 

 applied, ground should be hauled to each vine, taking 

 the ground from the woods. This keeps the vine itself, 

 and especially its head, well supplied with ground, and 

 prevents its being exposed too far above the surface. 



DISEASES TO WHICH GRAPEVINES ARE SUBJECT. 



I COULD not, consistently, encumber this book with 

 a chapter on " Grape sicknesses," because I am satis- 

 fied that I could only give a page or so of specula- 

 tions, which may prove right, but of which I have not 

 had a fair experience. I have preferred to state only 

 methods known to me to be practical and correct. If 

 they are well followed, I do not think that any serious 

 sickness need be ever apprehended. The grape sick- 

 nesses in America may with propriety form a part of 

 such a book as the one now presented, when we shall 



