8 
THE FLOKIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
exhibition, some may be too forward. These may be taken to a northern 
aspect, and merely covered in case of frost or heavy rains ; at other times left 
entirely exposed. Such as are late may be taken in early, and kept rather 
close; but all that are in-doors had better be syringed under the foliage at least 
once a-day, or if twice, let it be early in the day—say the first time about 
eight in the morning, the second time about 2 p.m. 
{To be continued .) F. Chitty. 
WHAT SOIL IS BEST SUITED FOR THE PRODUCTION 
OF SUPERIOR GRAPES? 
This question, to which Mr. Cramb has directed attention at page 245 of 
the last volume of Ti-ie Feokist and Pomologist, is one of the very highest 
importance. It is an indisputable fact that we daily see Grapes of superior 
quality produced in soils that vary much one from the other. Thanks to the 
intelligence and skill of the gardeners of the present day, we see Grapes of 
superior quality produced on the limestone, sandstone, and clay. As we cannot 
expect to find that which does not exist—a good and fertile soil in every 
locality throughout the length and breadth of the land, we must deal with 
matters as we find them. When we have an unfavourable soil, we must im¬ 
prove it by adding to it those constituents of which it is deficient. By this 
means we can grow good Grapes ; but it cannot be expected that Vines grown 
in borders of this description are longlived; neither are they. The universal 
experience of all countries has established the fact that a dry and warm soil is 
the very best for the Vine. Perhaps there are few if any plants that flourish 
in so great a variety of soils and situations as the Vine. Most of the vine¬ 
yards of France are in a soil both clayey and calcareous. In other parts the 
Vine is to be found thriving in granitic and volcanic districts. Where vine¬ 
yards are cultivated a limestone soil, or one composed of decaying calcareous 
rocks, is generally esteemed by far the best; but in gardens where the Vine is 
grown solely for its fruit the soil should be highly enriched. And this brings 
me to the question, “ What soil is best suited for the production of superior 
Grapes ? ” If a border for Vines be made of proper soil, it matters little 
whether the house be a “ lean-to” or “ span-roofed,” provided there are means 
for giving plenty of air when required, and an effective heating-apparatus. 
With plenty of fire heat, and an abundance of air, Grapes are more highly 
flavoured than where but little fire heat and air are given. The soil for the 
production of fine Grapes should be dry and light, deep and rich. In former 
days the borders for Vines were generally made deep, and being often made 
below the ground level suffered generally very much from rain and snow in 
winter. In avoiding this evil some inexperienced growers of the present day 
commit as great an error of an opposite kind in making very shallow borders. 
In flat low-lying districts where the soil is stiff and heavy and the subsoil 
retentive, a moderately shallow border is v ithout doubt the best; but in sandy 
soils where the subsoil is porous, and naturally thorough-drained, a shallow 
border is according to my humble judgment and experience a very great 
mistake. In a soil of this nature a border 3 to 4 feet deep will produce 
superior Grapes for a greater number of years than a shallow border of 2 feet. 
I am speaking of Grapes that ripen during the months of August, September, 
and October. A shallow border made of good fibrous turfy loam, with crushed 
bones and other things added, and copious supplies of liquid manure when the 
Grapes are swelling, will without doubt produce superior Grapes for a few 
