MY VINBYAEIX 53 



This suggested that the soil of the border was richer than 

 it ought to be. The vines nearest the woods made but 

 little growth, and appeared unhealthy. I did not think 

 that the ^ght difference in the quality of the soil would 

 account for it. It seemed more reasonable to attribiite it 

 to the fact that the border was a little lower at that end, 

 and the soil inclined to be somewhat wet. 



After a full consideration of the subject, I concluded to 

 continue ray efforts at grape-growing, mating something 

 of a change in my methods and practice, with the hope 

 that better results might be reached. I concluded, also, 

 not to confine myself to the Clinton, but try other varie- 

 ties which were receiving commendation in various por- 

 tions of the country. 



In order to determine •whether the dampness of the soil 

 made the difference in the vines already established, a 

 main drain was run from the fruit-garden to the lake, and 

 lateral drains put in, so as -to secure the perfect drainage 

 of the border. The natural slope of the land was such as 

 to render its drainage no difficult matter; but it cost a 

 good deal of trouble to procure the tile. As I had seen 

 a considerable underdraining before, and believed in it on 

 general principles, I concluded that the benefit to the 

 fruit-garden would cancel all expense, even though no 

 good came of it so far as the grapes were concerned. 



