Grape Grafting. 463 



done, there is danger of the cion being heaved out by the frost, 

 or at least of being misplaced to such an extent that no union will 

 take place. Soils which heave the most will be apt to do the 

 most damage. Winter protection is essential to success and where 

 it is given, good results should follow. The protection may con- 

 sist of burying the cion completely after the graft has been made, 

 or a heavy mulch of some material, as straw, leaves, etc., will 

 answer. Such a covering will prevent the alternate thawing and 

 freezing of the soil, which is sure to result in more or less injury 

 to the graft. A. S. Fuller recommends* grafting grapes " in the 

 fall, after the leaves have fallen, and any time before the ground 

 is frozen, say in October, November or December, varying accord- 

 ing to the latitude." His grafts are made below the surface of 

 the soil and are protected very carefully from frost. This is done 

 by placing an inverted fiovyer-pot, sufficiently large for the pur- 

 pose, over the cion, having the bottom of the pot on a level with 

 the surface of the soil. The excavation is then filled with earth 

 but the bottom of the flower-pot is left uncovered. Then all is 

 covered with about six inches of straw and over this is placed soil 

 to the depth of about eight inches. When so protected, the grafts 

 pass the winter in excellent condition and start off vigorously in 

 the spring. 



The majority of those who have had practical experience in 

 the grafting of grapes seem to agree in saying that early spring is 

 the most suitable time for performing the operation, all things 

 considered. The graft; should be inserted before the flow of sap 

 has begun, and the first warm days in March are the ones which 

 are well suited to the work in a great many seasons. On the 

 whole, the earlier in spring that the grafts are inserted the better 

 are the chances of success, as more time is allowed for union to 

 take place. Much depends upon the season, but generally March 

 will offer some periods in which the vines can be worked. It is 

 but a short time after the frost is out of the ground before the vines 

 will bleed considerably when cut, so the work must be done before 

 the season becomes far advanced. 



The third period in which grapes may be successfully grafted 

 is late in spring, or as soon as the vines have made a growth of 



* Fuller, The Grape Culturist, 1867, p 66. 



