THE GRAPE VINE. 6l 



would be superfluous on tlie rocks of some parts of 

 Somerset, or on the generally dry soils of East Lothian. 

 By these conditions should also be decided to what 

 extent borders should be elevated above the natural 

 ground-level. 



In preparing the site and drainage on damp retentive 

 subsoils, let all the natural soil be excavated to the depth 

 of 4 feet from the bottom of the arches or lintels at the 

 front of the vinery, and, supposing that the outside 

 border is to be 20 feet wide, give it a slope of 18 inches 

 to the extremity of the border. The site for the inside 

 border should be sloped to the same extent, upwards 

 in the case of lean-to house, to the back wall. Lay 

 down a layer of concrete, 3 to 4 inches thick, over 

 the whole site of the border. Eun a main drain 

 parallel with the border at its extreme front, and 6 

 inches below the lowest level of the concrete. In 

 order to make sure of the most perfect drainage, lay 

 tile-drains at right angles with this main drain, up 

 to the back of the vinery, at every 8 feet. Over the 

 whole surface of the concrete, and covering the tile- 

 drains, spread a layer of broken bricks, road-metal, or 

 round gravel with all sand sifted out of it, to the depth 

 of 8 inches. Finish off with a sprinkling of smaller 

 gravel, and a turf, grassy side downwards, over the 

 whole surface. The site is thus ready for the border. 

 The slope of the site, and soil, drains, &c., can be seen at 

 a glance in fig. 7. 



On what may be termed healthy gravelly subsoils in 

 dry localities, where water neither stands nor rises, such 

 extra care in drainage is not absolutely necessary. But 

 where there is the least chance of there not being a ready 

 and immediate escape for water, no hesitation should ever 



