292 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



In choosing varieties it is better to consult the individual tastes of the 

 family. If for the market its demands must be considered. Moore's 

 Early, Worden and Concord, ripening in the order named, are the best of 

 the blue grapes. Niagara and Empire State are the most universally 

 planted white grapes; Brighton, Wyoming and Delaware are of choice 

 flavor, but less frequently grown. 



Within the past few years it has been found advantageous to spray, 

 using Bordeaux mixture to combat fungus diseases. Spraying two or 

 three times is usually sufficient. Those who have only a few vines will 

 find a knapsack sprayer sufficient. For a vineyard use a barrel mounted 

 on a sled with spray pump attachment, it is more effective. 



The intent of cutting away portions of the vine is to leave only a 

 sufficient number of buds on canes of the current season's growth to give 

 such an amount of fruit the coming season as the age and strength of the 

 vine can support. Pruning should be varied somewhat to suit the habits 

 of different varieties. The stronger growing sorts should have more wood 

 allowed them than the weaker ones. The vines should not be allowed to 

 bear much fruit until strong enough to grow vigorous canes with strong 

 laterals. Thrifty laterals develop fruit buds near the base. These laterals 

 are cut back from four to six buds, depending on the age and strength of 

 the vine. Allow as much fruit to set as the vine can support and grow to 

 perfection. 



Winter covering is an all important subject. Thousands of vines are 

 lost annually from lack of winter protection. The vines should be re- 

 moved from the wires, pressed close to the ground, and covered with two 

 or three forkfuls of straw. Over this throw sufficient soil to prevent the 

 winter winds from blowing through the straw, which dries the canes. 

 Such protection is useful any winter, and absolutely necessary when the 

 winter is unusually cold. 



