The vine is cultivated throughout the length and breadth of Italy, but while in some of the districts of the south and centre it occupies from 10 to 20% of the cultivated area, in some of the northern provinces, such as Sondrio, Belluno, Grosseto, &c., the average is only about I or 2% The methods of cultivation are varied; but the planting of the vines by themselves in long rows of insignificant bushes is the exception.
Thence it flows first S.W., then due W., through the fertile Valtellina, passing Tirano, where the Poschiavino falls in on the right, and Sondrio, where is the junction with the Malero, right.
The Valtellina, of which Sondrio is the capital, produces a considerable quantity of red wine.
Sondrio also has silk-works.