PRACTICAL PAPERS—VINEYARDS. 
107 
moisture in the roots is absorbed by the adjacent soil, and they 
are as effectually killed as though they had been on the sur¬ 
face, exposed to the open air. Hence gravelly and sandy soils 
ought, as far as possible, to be avoided, or if used, extra care 
and protection should be given to the vines during the whole 
season to secure and retain the requisite moisture. Clay loams 
are not subject to this objection, when thoroughly prepared ; 
they usually hold moisture enough to carry the roots through 
the winter without injury. ' Eastern and southern exposures are 
generally preferred, but an elevated table land is equally good. 
In preparing the ground for a vineyard, the soil should be 
thoroughly loosened to the depth of twenty inches. This is 
best done with a stubble plow, followed in the furrow with a 
subsoil lifter. A team of four horses will be needed for this work 
changing about each round. The importance of deep tillage is 
not generally appreciated. Hot being aware of the benefits to 
be derived from it, the majority regard it as needless, a use¬ 
less waste of labor, perhaps; but it has been the experience of 
those who have given it a fair trial, that it gives-strength .and 
vigor to the vines, secures a healthy, well ripened growth, 
which adds to their hardiness and productiveness. 
In laying out the vineyard have the rows run north and 
south if possible. This is very desirable as it exposes all parts 
of the plant to the sunlight. Have the rows six or eight feet 
apart; if a space of eight feet is given a team may be used in 
covering the vines for winter protection. Divide off the rows 
into spaces of eight feet, and set a stake for each vine. Good 
two year old vines are the best for setting. At each stake dig 
a hole eight or ten inches deep, and large enough to receive 
the roots of the vine, allowing them to be spread out straight 
and even ; cover them with fine soil to the depth of two or 
three inches, and then press the earth down firmly upon the 
roots ; fill up the hole with loose and finely pulverized soil, and 
mulch liberally so as to protect them from the excessive heat 
and drought of summer. In autumn, after the leaves have 
fallen, prune each vine, back to two buds, and before cold 
weather sets in cover for winter. 
