CHAPTER VII. 



OF THE MANURLYG OF THE VLYE. 



Numerous and striking examples exist to prove the ill results at- 

 tending the imprudent manuring of Vine^'ards ; there are vine-grow- 

 ers, however, who think it useful to apply it in considerable quanti- 

 ties. But a quantity not only injures the quality of the fruit, but dimin- 

 ishes the quantity, and the wine is apt to become ropy. It is destruc- 

 tive even to the stock itself in many cases ; the leaves the first year 

 grow yellowish, the second year they become quite yellow, and the 

 third season new Vines must be set out. This has been remarked in 

 many parts of France ; we have witnessed the same in Italy and Ger- 

 many, and I learn by my correspondence that it is no uncommon oc- 

 currence in Hungary. There is a mean term between too much ma- 

 nure and a total disuse of it; and it is the quality of the article, and 

 the discreet application of it which will make the great difference. Sta- 

 ble-yard litter is the least advantageous ; it renders the ground moist 

 and gives the wine an earthy flavour. If spread fresh, as has been 

 recommended by some, its inconveniences are still greater ; the parts 

 not being sufficiently rotted and incorporated, shelter multitudes of in- 

 sects and give birth to millions of weeds. When well worked and tho- 

 roughly mellowed, it helps the ground and imparts an ill flavour only 

 the first year ; but it is altogether and remarkably advantageous 

 when it is used in a compost, combined with mould, lime, ashes and 

 dead leaves. The litter of horses, asses, mules, sheep and hogs, suit 

 hard, stiff soils ; that of horned cattle, geese and ducks, should be ap- 

 plied to light soils, to wliich it gives coherence and body ; but the 

 litter of sheep and goats is preferable for the latter purpose. The 

 dung of fowls, hair, feathers, shavings of horn, all which decompose slow- 

 ly during a moist, hot spell, are useful. Pigeon dung is the most ac- 

 tive and fertilizing manure, but it contains a great proportion of alkali, 

 and should bo spread with the greatest parsimony. It will agree with 

 almost any sort of soil, according to Oliver de Serres, and gives no ill 

 taste to the grape. The cleansings of ditches, ponds, and running 

 streams, as well as the filth of roads, yards and streets, will make a 

 good manure ; but must be used with great moderation. Owing to the 



