ON WATERING THE VINE. 



1 59 



When the crop is gathered, the border should 

 be frequently watered till the leaves of the Vines 

 begin to change from green to red and yellow 

 respectively. But from that time, and during the 

 winter, the border should be kept in a dry state. 



I have not at any time found it necessary to 

 water the leaves of Vines growing in the pine- 

 stove, as is by some recommended, except such as 

 have been infested with insects. But during a 

 mild rain, I have frequently let down the upper 

 lights of the hot-house, that the Vines at the back 

 wall might reap the benefit of the shower. 



There is yet another mode of watering the 

 Vine-border, which is worthy of observation. 



During winter, I have frequently watered the 

 Vine-border with a thick black liquor, the drain- 

 age of dunghills c ; and though this, practice was in- 



c The drainage of dunghills is the very strength and power 

 of the dung ; for water, constantly filtering through stable-yard 

 dung, certainly robs it of the mucilage and saline particles, with 

 which it greatly abounds when newly made ; and especially 

 such dung as has lain a considerable time in the stable, and 

 imbibed a large portion of the urine of the horses. The saline 

 particles contained in new-made dung are increased by its fer- 

 mentation ; therefore the first extract obtained from the dung, 

 after it has undergone its fermentation, may be justly con- 

 sidered as the cream or essence of the manure. 



In most farm-yards this valuable liquor is generally permitted 

 to run to waste, which is much to be regretted, and may, in 

 reality, be deemed a public loss. 



The farmer would find his labours well rewarded, by con- 

 veying this rich liquor to the most convenient part of his farm, 



