110 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



POINTERS ON GRAPES. 



BY ME. W. K. MUNSON OF GRAND EAPIDS. 



In discussion of the subject assigned me, " Pointers on grapes," I shall 

 go 80 little into details that much of what I say would apply to the culture 

 of other fruit fully as much as to grapes. 



In order to grow grapes profitably, one must have the proper tastes and 

 qualifications. I have heard men say they would rather take off their 

 coats and split rails than to "putter around with grapes." Such men 

 would better stick to splitting rails, as they would be more sure of making 

 a living than in raising grapes. The right man for the place is one who 

 can see beauty in a well-loaded vineyard, besides the dollars and cents; 

 one who would delight to go through the vineyard as the fruit ripens, and 

 when he sees a large, well-formed bunch of grapes, pat it on the cheek and 

 say, " That's a fine cluster." Then he wonders what should make that 

 bunch better than its mates, and tries to find the reason. 



Grapes will adapt themselves to a great variety of soils, provided there 

 is good air and water drainage. 



The varieties should be such as are adapted to the climate and soil, and 

 to the market which is to be supplied. The object in pruning is (1) to 

 confine the strength of the vine to producing a limited number of bunches 

 without materially diminishing the number of pounds produced per vine, 

 thus securing larger berries and bunches, of better quality; (2) to so con- 

 trol the growth of the vine that it will be in convenient shape on the 

 trellis, for cultivation and picking, and to properly distribute the fruit so 

 it will get the full benefit of the sun and air. Care should be taken to 

 leave a spur near the main cane, with a bud in a good position to produce 

 a new cane to renew with next year. 



, POINTERS. 



1. A proper man for the business. 



2. A good location. 



3. Suitable varieties. 



In order that the vines may do their best, they should be made perfectly 

 happy and comfortable, (1) by giving them a nice, clean place to live in; 

 (2) all they can eat of suitable food; (3) kept free of insects and fungi by 

 spraying with the right mixtures; (4) some system of annual close prun- 

 ing; (5) frequent shallow cultivation during the entire growing season; (6) 

 a certain amount of good business tact, with strict honesty in picking, 

 packing, and disposing of the crop. 



Asked what varieties he preferred, Mr. MuNSON gave the number of 

 vines of the several kinds he has in his vineyards: 1,600 Concord, 2,600 

 Worden, 1,600 Niagara, 1,000 Brighton, 600 Moore, 600 Delaware. 



Mr. Whitmire: Will it pay, at present prices, to set grapes? 



