THE GRAPE VINE. 63 



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 fleshy 

 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 pre- 

 servation 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 

 successful 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 

 retentive of water. The medium between these two 

 soils is the best for grape-growing, — that which may 

 be described as having enough of sand or silicious 

 matter in it to make it friable and prevent its ever 

 becoming adhesive, in combination with as much clay 



