STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 211 



Almighty Dollar that the majority of those who labor in the vineyard are 

 after, or else why the labor? — the Concord is not as yet superseded. Many 

 of the newer varieties have been observed by me both on my own 

 grounds and elsewhere, but not sufficiently as yet to remark thereon. 

 1 hope to hear the experience of others who have had a more intimate 

 acquaintance with them. 



The spring season of 1879 opened from three to four weeks earlier 

 than usual, thereby starting the grape-buds into active growth in time to 

 be severely handled by the frosts of May, and many vineyards were so 

 badly injured that the crop was quite light and the total not more than 

 half an average. Prices in consequence were fair most of the season, and 

 had it not been for the large amount of fall apples which were crowded 

 into our markets at low prices I think the prices of grapes would have 

 been much higher than they were. 



Regarding the matter of planting and training, I am satisfied that the 

 trellis consisting of posts set sixteen feet apart, with three wires stretched 

 along them, and the rows seven or eight feet apart, is much the best 

 system of training, for this reason : that by it we utilize the whole space 

 along the row from vine to vine, which would be lost in the system of 

 single-stake training, and which allows us to grow more cane for fruiting 

 and in a more natural manner, at the same time obtaining more and better 

 sun exposure as well as atmospheric circulation, and by this means we 

 get four-fold the quantity of fruit. Some will contend that we will 

 overcrop our vines in this manner. I will answer, that when you wish to 

 fatten your steer or porker you give him the proper amount of proper 

 food; likewise in the vineyard, to produce large crops without injury to 

 the vines, you must see that the vine is provided with proper food and 

 plenty of it. 



I would plant vigorous-growing varieties like Concord, Diana and the 

 Rogers' Hybrids eight feet apart in the row; and Delaware, Martha and 

 less vigorous kinds six to seven feet apart, training fan-shape, cutting 

 out old wood annually so as to get young canes as far back towards the 

 base or main stem as possible, except such varieties as the Rogers'. Isabella, 

 Diana and some others, which should be allowed to grow as arttis of old 

 wood and the young canes cut back to short spurs of one or two buds. 



I have had best success in planting good two-year-old vines, cutting 

 back at time of planting to one cane with three or four buds. 



Cultivate with five-toothed cultivator, adjustable and having high 

 standards, and a guide wheel in front, also adjustable for light or deep 

 plowing. 



Plow deeply with this implement in the center between the rows 

 and lightly near the vines; an expert man will run the cultivator so 

 closely to the vines that a smart boy with a hoe will finish the work along 

 the rows as fast as he can cultivate. 



Never allow weeds to grow in the vineyard under any circumstances 

 if you wish the finest fruit, which will bring the highest price, but make 

 the cultivator, in addition to its other utility, be mowing machine and 

 mulch as well. 



