1 10 On the Cultivation of the Vine. 



vent the injury, particularly if a little warmth be given at the 

 same time by the flues. Perhaps, instead of the deep rich 

 composts in which our Vines are commonly planted, if we 

 were to substitute a light soil, of from eighteen to twenty 

 inches deep, mixed with stones, or old mortar rubbish, we 

 should succeed better with the principal Summer and Au- 

 tumnal crops of Grapes. Vines planted in a soil of this 

 description will not grow with such exuberant vigour ; and 

 as less water will pass into the plants through the absorbent 

 vessels of the roots, the Vines will probably receive less 

 injury in moist cloudy weather, and the fruit will be better 

 flavoured. 



When Vines are intended to be forced in the winter months 

 they require to be planted in a deep and rich compost, 

 which ought to be well chained, for the surface of the soil is 

 then so much chilled by frost, and melting snow, as to pre- 

 vent the vigorous action of the roots. 



Having some years ago constructed a vinery, with a steam 

 vault under the soil, for supplying occasional warmth to the 

 roots, I have noticed the effects of ground heat with some 

 attention. *n the early part of the month of February, the 

 natural temperature of the soil, at the depth of thirty inches, 

 is commonly about 42° by the thermometer. If the heat of 

 the ground be then raised to 45°, the Vines in the course of 

 two days begin to bleed ; and when the temperature is gra- 

 dually raised to 50°, the buds open with as much vigour, 

 as when the forcing is commenced under ordinary circum- 

 stances at the latter end of March, when the natural warmth 

 of the ground, owing to the increased excitability of the 

 plant, is fully sufficient. 



