20 



YOUNG VINES FOU PLANTING. 



of the roots at every such addition, and raising them 

 carefully into the newly-added soil. In this way the 

 compost, instead of becoming sour from being trod 

 upon, and watered while as yet no roots are in it, 

 will be added just as the roots are ready for it ; and 

 every gardener knows with what gusto vine-roots 

 rush into fresh turfy loam as compared with that 

 which is sodden and livery; and it is well known, also, 

 that soil gets more readily into this state when it is 

 much in excess of the requirements of the plants that 

 grow in it ; and it is frequently more convenient, where 

 soil and labour are scarce, to make the borders in this 

 way, than to have so much to do at once. 



YOUNG VINES FOE PLANTING. 



There are various opinions as to the best way of 

 preparing young vines for planting. I have used ' 

 plants from layers ; from eyes, two, three, and even 

 four years old ; from eyes, one year old ; and from 

 eyes struck the year they were planted ; and have 

 found them all succeed, but would give a decided pre- 

 ference to the two latter; and especially to good, 

 sound, well-ripened vines one year old from eyes, 

 either home-grown or procured from some respectable 

 nurseryman, who is careful about their names being 

 correct — who does not grow them in bottom heat, and 

 as thick as they can stand, in dark houses, which is 

 sometimes done. They may be struck in bottom heat; 

 but after they are shifted into the pot in which they 

 are to be sold, they should have no bottom heat exceed- 

 ing the atmospheric temperature of the house they are 

 grown in ; for I have invariably observed that the soft 

 forced roots vines make in bottom heat, such as they 



