" I have come to the conclusion that in our district
(Lilydale, a cool region) the optimum distance is 4^ by
4^ feet, practically 2,000 vines per acre, at least in the
poorer soils ; and, after careful observation, I am of opinion
that vines planted any wider will not bear more fruit.
This is, however, rather too close to be conveniently worked
by horse labour. I should, therefore, recommend 5 by
5 feet. But on the Murray (a warm region) this distance
would not suit at all, and I believe that the vine-growers
are right to plant 8 by 8, and even 10 by 10 feet, in that
district.
" In conclusion, I would advise every vine-grower starting
in a new district to determine by experiment what is his
optimum distance. He can make a pretty good guess from
observations of soil and climate, and for the rest let him,
instead of planting all his vineyard on one scale, plant
different blocks at different distances apart, so that if he
N2
196" THE ART OF LIVING IN AUSTRALIA.
wishes to extend his vineyard later on he may know what is
the most suitable way to do so. By a careful consideration
of these and other points which regulate the growth and
development of the vine, and a practical application of the
deductions drawn from them, it is possible for the intelligent
vigneron to obtain from his land a maximum of return with
a minimum of labour, and also to regulate the strength of
his wine so as to suit the requirements of trade, thus making
viticulture one of the most remunerative as well as most
attractive branches of agriculture."
In France, especially in the northern districts, the vines
are placed much closer together than ever they are in
Australia, and this means that only hand labour can be
employed. But it has to be remembered that the scarcity of
manual labour with us makes it necessary to arrange the
vineyard with enough width between the plants for a horse.
It is desirable, however, not to go to the other extreme and
space the vines at too great a distance from each other ;
indeed, in favour of a closer planting, the following in-
fluencing circumstances should be borne in mind. In the
elevated regions, where the rainfall is ample, the vines may
be planted closer together than on the plains or on the
lower slopes ; firstly, because there is no fear as to a
sufldciency of water ; and secondly, for the reason that the
vines, by being nearer together, protect one another from
the inclement weather. Spring frosts also are very liable
to occur in certain localities ; and here again the vines,
by being brought closer together, afford shelter to each
other from the direct rays of the sun, which are particularly
injurious when coming on top of a severe frost.
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
AU8TEALIAN WINE. 197
Page 133
Presented as published in 1893. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
" I have come to the conclusion that in our district (Lilydale, a cool region) the optimum distance is 4½ by 4½ feet, practically 2,000 vines per acre, at least in the poorer soils ; and, after careful observation, I am of opinion that vines planted any wider will not bear more fruit. This is, however, rather too close to be conveniently worked by horse labour. I should, therefore, recommend 5 by 5 feet. But on the Murray (a warm region) this distance would not suit at all, and I believe that the vine-growers are right to plant 8 by 8, and even 10 by 10 feet, in that district.
" In conclusion, I would advise every vine-grower starting in a new district to determine by experiment what is his optimum distance. He can make a pretty good guess from observations of soil and climate, and for the rest let him, instead of planting all his vineyard on one scale, plant different blocks at different distances apart, so that if he
N2
wishes to extend his vineyard later on he may know what is the most suitable way to do so. By a careful consideration of these and other points which regulate the growth and development of the vine, and a practical application of the deductions drawn from them, it is possible for the intelligent vigneron to obtain from his land a maximum of return with a minimum of labour, and also to regulate the strength of his wine so as to suit the requirements of trade, thus making viticulture one of the most remunerative as well as most attractive branches of agriculture."
In France, especially in the northern districts, the vines are placed much closer together than ever they are in Australia, and this means that only hand labour can be employed. But it has to be remembered that the scarcity of manual labour with us makes it necessary to arrange the vineyard with enough width between the plants for a horse. It is desirable, however, not to go to the other extreme and space the vines at too great a distance from each other ; indeed, in favour of a closer planting, the following influencing circumstances should be borne in mind. In the elevated regions, where the rainfall is ample, the vines may be planted closer together than on the plains or on the lower slopes ; firstly, because there is no fear as to a sufficiency of water ; and secondly, for the reason that the vines, by being nearer together, protect one another from the inclement weather. Spring frosts also are very liable to occur in certain localities ; and here again the vines, by being brought closer together, afford shelter to each other from the direct rays of the sun, which are particularly injurious when coming on top of a severe frost.
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