64 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



When such borders settle down, and the turfy part 

 has vanished, there is left a close, adhesive, damp, rich 

 mass of matter, most unfavourable to the thick fiesliy 

 roots of the vine. After a while the vines become less 

 excitable. The grapes regularly shank, and do not 

 colour ; and if the border is examined in winter, all the 

 roots that can be found in it are entirely destitute of 

 the fibry parts formed the previous season, the preser- 

 vation of which is of great importance. 



The most successful grape-growers are now very 

 unanimous in choosing a calcareous turfy loam, taken 

 to the depth of 6 or 7 inches from the surface of an 

 old pasture-field, as being the best for the fruitfulness 

 and lengthened wellbeing of the vine. Such a soil, pure 

 and simple, contains in itself all the elements of success- 

 ful grape-growing for a good many years. It contains 

 a large amount of fibre or organic matter, which in its 

 slow decomposition supplies the elements of fertility. 

 In choosing such a soil, that which is sandy and spongy 

 should be avoided. This is what is generally termed 

 "light sandy loam." It continues to grow vigorous 

 vines, which bear fine grapes, while the fibry part of it 

 lasts and is decomposing ; but when the fibre has ceased 

 to be in it, there is not stamina sufficient left for vines. 

 A loam with what is generally termed more " body " in it 

 should be selected — avoiding, of course, that which has too 

 much clay in it, and which, when its organic matter has 

 decayed, becomes solid, impervious to air, and too reten- 

 tive of water. The medium between these two soils is 

 the best for grape-growing, — that which may be describ- 

 ed as having enough of sand or silicious matter in it to 

 make it friable and prevent its ever becoming adhesive, 

 m combination with as much clay or alumina as gives it 



