174 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



directions, like the spokes of a wagon wheel, and be covered with fine, 

 rich earth, firmly pressed. Never allow the roots to become dry before 

 planting. If planted in rows eight feet three inches apart and twelve 

 feet apart in the rows, they will be about right for most kinds. Culti- 

 vate and hoe every ten days during season, destroying all weeds. Fer- 

 tilize with wood ashes and bone. Spread the ashes broadcast and culti- 

 vate in. The bone may be supplied either ground or whole. A sheep- 

 killing dog planted about two feet deep near each vine would do, and 

 nature's laboratory would soon transform an ugly animal into handsome, 

 luscious grapes. 



Vines may be trained to stakes the first two years, allowing one cane 

 to grow the first year and two the second. Thereafter, train to wires 

 about six feet above ground, so the air may circulate freely among 

 the branches and give less chance for mildew. 



Before the buds start, spray Avith Bordeaux mixture and continue the 

 spraying every two weeks while moist weather lasts. 



In ]>runing, cut away dead and weak branches, and cut the stronger 

 branches back to three buds, soon after the leaves fall. 



If the finest and best fruit is desired, put bags on the bunches when 

 berries are the size of peas. 



To keep grapes fresh till spring, cut the bunches from long-keeping 

 varieties and put away in the bags in which they grew, in a cool cellar, 

 in shallow crates, where the children can't find them. 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. Chidester: How far apart did you say they were planted? 



Mr. Bradish: Eight feet three inches, because eight feet three inches 

 make half a rod. Eight feet would do, or nine. 



Mr. Chidester: We all agree with the sentiment of this paper, but I 

 think a longer distance preferable. I generally place my vines about 12 

 by 16 feet. That gives, I think, a better chance for the grapes, especially 

 strong-growing varieties, to grow and develop. I get more fruit, I think, 

 from the same amount of ground, by having these distances — sixteen 

 feet the way of the trellises, and twelve feet the other way. The sun has 

 a chance to strike both ways, and there is a better circulation of air. I 

 like a good size hole, as much as two and one half feet, anyway, and 

 filled with surface earth, spreading out the roots, of course. Jef- 

 ferson has never proved satisfactory with me; it is a tender vine and, 

 with me, practically useless. 



Mr. Morrill : Have you ever tried laying those tender varieties down 

 in the fall? 



Mr. Chidester: Yes, when they were small, but still, when we have 

 plenty of better varieties, it is better to raise those that are hardier. 



Mr. Bradish: I think I stated in my paper, "Holes three or four inches 

 deep." Of course, I would't object to planting deeper than that, pro- 

 viding you did not cover too much earth on them. I think they will 

 come up quicker to leave the roots near the sun. In raising Jeffer- 

 son I find no great trouble. I think it is preferable, however, to lay the 

 vines down, and you hardly find a better quality for long keeping than 

 Jefferson. 



