LATK-KKKPING GRAPHS. 



229 



vinos tliat have been planted in borders, either inside or out, 

 that have had no further preparation than this. Such vines, too, 

 can be seen that have been in bearing for a sufficient number of 

 years to prove that, provided certain other conditions be right, 

 this is by no means as short-lived a method as might be 

 imagined. Still, even this system cannot be practised in a hap- 

 hazard fashion, and, of course, what is essential to the snceesfl 

 of vines so planted is equally essential to those grown under a 

 more elaborate method in private gardens, where it is necessary 

 to guard against possible failure by even greater care. 



The first highly important point to be studied is the selection 

 of the site, for, however good the soil may be naturally, if a 

 cold, low, damp, or water-logged position be chosen, where 

 drainage is comparatively useless, failure may be expected as a 

 certainty, whether early or late Grapes are attempted to be grown, 

 but more particularly the latter, for the difficulties in keeping the 

 fruit are increased tenfold, it might be said that any man's 

 common sense would teach him to avoid such position-;, but 

 gardens of note in this country could be mentioned where de- 

 plorable mistakes have been made in this way in the past, and a 

 succession of gardeners have struggled to combat unavoidable 

 failures, and have been blamed for results for which they were 

 in no way responsible. The vine naturally loves a well-drained, 

 warm situation for its roots, and if this is provided a great stride 

 is made in the direction of ultimate success. Positions that are 

 not quite the best that could be selected may be improved by a 

 thorough system of drainage, but in those of the character 

 described the labour and expense are almost thrown away. 



Soils and Manures. — The next point is to have a soil of a good 

 substantial nature, such as will possess lasting properties, and yet 

 it is equally essential not to err on the side of a too heavy soil, 

 for this will lead to difficulties in another direction. A heavy, 

 adhesive soil is always cold, and checks root-action, leading to 

 ill-developed leaves and growth, resulting in all the evils to which 

 Grapes are subject. The chief secret in securing Grapes that will 

 keep plump and fresh for a reasonable time, either on the vines 

 or cut and bottled, is to ensure free root-growth, with thorough 

 maturation of well-developed leaves and wood. Everything, 

 therefore, which tends to promote this ripening process should 

 receive the closest attention. The orthodox recommendation in 



