156 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS 



flavour of the grapes, from Vines in such a situ- 

 ation, is much inferior to that of grapes growing in 

 a dry soil. 



I have already observed, in my directions for 

 the preparation of the Vine-border, the absolute 

 necessity of having drains at the bottom, to take 

 off the supefluous water : by this means the border 

 may be kept in a dry state during winter ; and, in 

 summer, water may be given as the season and 

 other circumstances may require. 



In spring, gentle and frequent waterings, in dry 

 weather, generally answers better than giving them 

 in greater quantities. 



When the Vines are in flower, even the frequent 

 sprinkling of the flues and walks in a hot-house, 

 and the border, &c. in a Vinery, will greatly benefit 

 the Vines. A good heat, however, should be kept 

 up at the same time, as I have constantly ex- 

 perienced that grapes set best in a vaporous heat 

 of between seventy and seventy-five degrees. 



In a hot-house, if the walks, &c. are sprinkled 

 when there is a strong sun, the exhaled moisture 

 will instantly form a kind of artificial dew, which 



indeed, is not expressly named here, but this tree, nevertheless, 

 appears to be principally intended, on account of its very 

 spreading nature, as appears from the two texts in Ezekiel, and 

 particularly as it is remarkable for over-topping the walls it is 

 planted against. See the beautiful allegory in Psalm Ixxx. of 

 the over-prosperous condition of the Israelites : — " Thou hast 

 brought a Vine out of Egypt." 



