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



Vignerons of Thomery, they manure theirs every three years, 

 and the result justifies them in the practice, for their Grapes 

 are always superior both in size and delicacy of flavour to any 

 others to be met with either at Paris or elsewhere. Old 

 manure nearly consumed, and of a light warm nature, is 

 always preferred. 



Such is the culture of Thomery ; but it is to the following 

 peculiarities of practice that its superiority must principally 

 be attributed. 



1st. To the judicious choice of cuttings. The Vignerons 

 never making use of any but such as have borne the best 

 and finest fruit. 



2nd. By planting the Vines at a distance from the wall, 

 and by frequently laying the shoots until they reach the 

 wall, the Vines acquire abundance of roots upon the sur- 

 face. Also by the close planting, from which all undue luxu- 

 riance is restrained ; by this means the branches complete 

 their growth within the bounds prescribed, and ripen their 

 wood early. 



3rd. By limiting each plant to only one cordon, with two 

 arms, right and left, the entire extent of both not exceeding 

 eight feet. The energies of the roots confined to so small 

 a space, nourish the bearing wood more effectually and more 

 equally, and bring the fruit to greater perfection. 



4th. To the projecting coping, which protects the Vine and 

 fruit from frosts and heavy rains, and intercepts and retains 

 the heat radiating from the surface of the soil. 



5th. The sloping disposition of the ground also contributes 

 to their success, as it prevents any accumulation of moisture 

 at the roots of the Vines, and preserves them sound and 

 healthy. 



