376 On a manner of training the Vine upon open Walls. 



Preparation of the Borders. 



In preparing the borders for the reception of the Vines, the 

 Vignerons, trench them the depth of the upper stratum 

 which extends about eighteen inches, and six feet wide. Where 

 the soil is strong, they give the surface of the border a fall, 

 sufficient to throw offheavy rains ; this, with the addition of a 

 good dressing of manure, they consider a sufficient preparation 

 for planting. 



Selection of Cuttings and Planting. 



Although the Vignerons of Thomery occasionally propa- 

 gate the Vine by laying and grafting, yet for their own plant- 

 ing, they always prefer cuttings ; and maintain that they thus 

 not only preserve the kinds from degenerating, but that they 

 actually improve them, in consequence of the attention which 

 is paid in procuring the cuttings from such branches only 

 as bear fruit distinguished by some superior quality, as size, 

 ripening early, setting sure, or any other property it is wished 

 to perpetuate. 



The Vine, by happy accident, is often found to sport into 

 improved varieties of fruit ; the shoots producing these the 

 Vignerons prefer for propagation, and by such means render 

 them permanent, and each is anxious to excel his neigh- 

 bours in possessing a superior variety. In this practice we 

 may copy the French with advantage ; we have been already 

 most successful in acquiring many valuable varieties of form, 

 flower, and foliage in ornamental plants ; and with equal 

 attention we have every reason to conclude that we may be 

 as fortunate in fixing those improved sporting varieties of 

 fruits which are so frequently met with. 



