142 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



rate, whatever you allow them to appropriate from your soil is lost to 

 the grape. 



For some reasons it is more satisfactory to root grapes in nursery 

 the first year, for there, even in a dry season, they can be taken care 

 of and made to grow by watering them; and, when once rooted, they 

 can be planted out in vineyard form with a very small per cent, of 

 loss, even in a dry season, without irrigation. On the other hand, if 

 planted at once in the land which they are to occupy there is a gain 

 in size. As between vines planted in nursery and those replanted 

 the second year in vineyard, and cuttings planted at once in vine- 

 yard, the last will have perhaps six months the best of size at the end 

 of two years. The expenses for the two years are perhaps less to 

 those planting in nursery. When there is sufficient time to get the 

 ground in good order then it will probably be better to plant at once 

 in vineyard. My mode of planting is with the crowbar, sinking 

 them, say fifteen inches deep. Perhaps twelve inches would be even 

 better. Many [jersons plant much deeper, but I think it is a mis- 

 taken idea. Their theory is the deeper the more moisture; but I 

 think it will be found that, when your soil is dry twelve inches, it is 

 dry altogether, and with proper cultivation it will not be dry, no 

 nratter how little water you may have had. The most natural way 

 for a cutting to throw out roots is at the bottom, especially 'if it has 

 been c^^t smooth just below a bud. To enable it to throw out roots, 

 however, at the bottom, it must not be planted so deep as to be out 

 of the influence of air and warmth. This is why twelve or fifteen 

 inches is better than a greater depth. 



Some plant with a spade, but it is attended with more labor, and I 

 can see no advantage. The important point to see to is, however, 

 that the soil presses around every part of the cutting which is under 

 ground and especially at the bottom. This can be easily done with 

 the crowbar. There is another point, namely, to soak your cuttings 

 either in very wet ground or in water, a few days before planting. 

 The most important point in starting a vineyard is to get them 

 started to grow. When this is once accomplished the most difficult 

 problem is solved, for after that, with such cultivation as I have 

 indicated, your vineyard will be a fact accomplished and make a fine 

 growtli even in a dry season without irrigation. Of course, it must 

 have protection from rabbits, gophers, squirrels, or anything else that 

 will destroy its leaves, for if these are eaten off it will surely die. 



Six feet each way, I think a good distance apart to plant vines for 

 wine making; whereas, for raisin culture, vines are now planted far- 

 ther apart. After having planted the cuttings, 1 cut them all back, 

 say, to six inches above the ground ; for the less above ground the 

 more readily will they grow, there being less evaporation from the 

 cutting. The ground is prepared by breaking it up, say, ten inches 

 deep, the deeper the better, after which it is harrowed, when it is 

 ready for planting. When the planting is done, then it is again 

 plowed, beginning in the center between two rows with a back-furrow, 

 which throws the soil away from the vine, and plowing as close to 

 the cutting as possible without disturbing it. After this, for that year, 

 if the ground is kind to work, all after work can be done v\^ith an 

 ordinary one-horse cultivator. 



