19 
or two gravel terraces are found here; and at the base of the north- 
ernmost of these, clay again appears. Here, as in the case of the first 
gravel ridge, there are springs at the junction of the gravel and 
clay, so that, where not artificially drained, this place is continuously 
indicated by swampy conditions. From the top of the upper (south- 
ernmost) gravel ridge to the spring line at the base of the lowest, 
the descent is about 90 feet, and the distance anywhere between 200 
or 300 yards and a mile, or even more, though usually not far from 
a quarter of a mile. 
"From this point lakeward, a distance of one or two, and in some 
places even three miles, the plain is somewhat irregular, with a gen- 
eral descent toward the lake, which is some 150 to 160 feet below the 
gravel ridges. The soil is usually a clay, though it is often of a sandy 
nature. The immediate shore line is commonly a bluff, either of 
shale or of clay, though at times it is in the form of a beach, without 
any well-developed bluffs." 
It will be seen that the soil of this noted grape region is absolutely 
a "made soil," that is one deposited by the movement of water. 
While vineyards are planted all the way from the lake shore to the 
top of the hill at the south four or five miles away, the most profita- 
ble and extensive vineyards are upon the gravel ridges forming the 
middle band of this region. The gravel is a very loose open soil, 
warming quickly under the influence of the sun. It is well drained, 
but is supplied with moisture at such a depth that grape roots can 
easily reach the water. Such conditions are ideal for grapes and 
wherever such a character of soil can be found, even though in limited 
areas, it will be found a suitable location for a vineyard. Upon 
gravelly soils the grape makes short-jointed canes, and in general, 
less rampant growth, which insures earlier ripening of the fruit, and 
in fact sweeter and better fruit than is obtained in clayey soils. The 
objection to clay soils is in their being cold, or too rich in nitrogen, 
or not well drained. 
Soil which naturally looks poor because nothing but mulleins and 
dewberries grow upon it, should not be overlooked when locating a 
vineyard, for it is likely to be the very best piece of land for the 
grape. 
Shale soils, if not too "raw" or fresh, will be very satisfactory for 
grapes, and sandy soils, such as are chosen for peaches, may also be 
used with success. Soils which are generally considered poor by 
farmers are so, largely, because of a lack of nitrogen. Such a condi- 
tion is favorable to the grape and especially if there is a good supply 
of phosphoric acid and potash present. 
PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. 
If virgin soil is to be prepared for the vineyard, it should be cleared 
of all trees, stumps and stones that are likely to interfere with eulti- 
