Then again, although some believe that in dry districts it is better to give each vine plenty of space, yet there are others who are of opinion that a closer formation is rather an advantage.  And on this account:  that since the roots come in contact with one another, they are compelled to strike deeper in search of water—­just in the very place it is desirable they should go.  In addition to the foregoing, it must not be forgotten that a dark-coloured soil absorbs more of the sun’s heat than one of lighter colour; just as a dark coat is hotter to wear than a light-coloured one.  For this reason, therefore, it is better for the plants to be closer together in a dark soil, since the shadow of the vines will then be over the root-producing areas.

In the south Australia VINEGROWERS’ manual, which has been prepared by Mr. George Sutherland, under instructions from the Government of South Australia, the author expresses this conviction:  That a very large proportion of the new vineyards of South Australia will be planted wide, especially in the warmer districts and on the lower rises of the foothills; but that after all 6 feet may be found the most suitable on more elevated localities, where we shall have to look for some of the best wines of the claret and hock type.  One leading Californian authority, according, to Mr. Sutherland, was a great advocate for wide planting.  After an exhaustive inquiry into the matter, however, throughout the wine-producing countries of Europe, he became quite converted, and believed in closer planting.  Mr. Francois de Castella also records the fact that in a block of vines at St. Hubert’s (Lilydale, Victoria), every second vine was rooted out on one-half of the block.  After ten years it was found that on the whole the closer wines had done better than those from which every alternate vine was rooted out.

THE GROWING OF THE GRAPE—­WHETHER TO PLANT CUTTINGS OR ROOTED VINES.

There is another somewhat disputed matter connected with viticulture, which deserves a little notice; and it is the relative merits of planting cuttings or rooted vines in the vineyard.  The majority of the witnesses examined by the Royal Commission on Vegetable Products in Victoria, 1889, admitted that cuttings ultimately produced a better vine.  But, as in some of the preceding points at issue, may it not be that climate and soil have a great deal to do with the results?  Signor Romeo Bragato, the Expert to the Board of Viticulture in Victoria, in his hints to intending vine-growers, recommended cuttings, not only for cheapness, but because if planted in the vineyard at the first they did not require removal.