48 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



fruit is set, nip at the third leaf from the last bunch of fruit ; and 

 all shoots intended for spurring, at the sixth or eighth leaf, taking 

 the strongest growers first ; also remove the tendril and all weak 

 and watery shoots. At the annual pruning I find, instead of a 

 spur or arm, a spur with two arms ; the second I cut off, and 

 spur the first to two eyes. 



Class 4, are vines fully established, some of which are eight 

 years old. The preparation of the ground has been the same 

 throughout the entire vineyard. To the first, second and first 

 four rows of the third class there has not been any fertilizing 

 matter applied, except as stated for cuttings, <fcc, since the vines 

 were set. To the remaining part of the vineyard I gave to each 

 vine three quarts of unleached wood ashes, or at the rate of 

 sixty bushels to the acre ; and to about 160 of the first planted 

 vines two light dressings of ashes, previously applied at different 

 periods. 



The last has been the most unfruitful season of any since I 

 have had anything to do with grape culture. On 150 of my 

 vines but very little fruit set, in consequence, as I think in part, 

 of their having carried three very heavy successive crops. The 

 season opened quite early and very warm, and was followed by 

 wet and cold weather. This I believe to be the cause of the 

 blight which reduced my crop one-half. And this explains the 

 difference in the amount of product the last two years. For 

 this year I cannot give the amount as the fruit has not been 

 gathered. 



The following exhibit shows the estimated value of the land, 

 and the cost of preparing the same, planting, setting and staking 

 the vines ; also, the actual amount of produce from all vines of 

 four years old and upward, the average weight and value per 

 vine, and the aggregate per acre, for 1863-64-65, and for the 

 three years. 



One acre of land, estimated value, . 

 Ploughing and manure, .... 

 Interest for three years, 

 777 vines, at 20 cents, .... 

 Setting the same, at 25c. ; staking at 10c, 



Total, 



$467 65 



