THE VINEYABD IN MAY AND JUNE. l8l 



Spraying should be done about every two weeks, using Bordeaux 

 mixture for most all diseases of the vine. It is well to watch closely 

 for any appearance of mildew, black rot, etc., on fruit. This may 

 be treated with a dust spray of flower of sulphur. Several kinds 

 of spray pumps are used with success. A barrel mounted on wheels 

 or dragged on a stoneboat is preferred by some. But the knap- 

 sack seems the most practicable in the vineyard. The main thing is 

 a pump that keeps the mixture well stirred up and that gives a high 

 pressure constantly, as we must have a fine spray reaching every 

 part. This forms a coating that once dried on is hard to wash ofif. 



As soon as the vines begin to throw out new shoots our trim- 

 ming begins. Prompt attention to this saves time in future work 

 and makes it possible to keep the vine in shape. Save only the 

 necessary growth, rubbing off all except one shoot every eight or 

 ten inches apart if we want the best fruit. Select sprouts nearest 

 the old vine. I might speak a word of caution in trimming the 

 Delaware too closely, as it is apt to induce such a heavy growth 

 in the size of the fruit that the berry sometimes bursts its skin. 

 If we find later that we have too much fruit set, it' can be thinned 

 just as any fruit crop should be thinned. 



Tie each shoot to the next wire above as soon as it reaches 

 high enough. This brittle growth is apt to be broken if neglected. 

 As soon as these shoots reach the desired length, a foot or two above 

 the upper wire, they must be pinched ofif. All laterals are also to 

 be pinched ofT, leaving only one leaf thereon, as soon as it can be 

 done. This may seem severe trimming, but some very successful 

 vineyards in my observations, including the many acres owned 

 and managed by Mr. Latham, that acquired such a favorable reputa- 

 tion in our markets for quality of fruit, were trimmed as I have 

 endeavored to describe. 



Nothing has been said in regard to cultivation, which is an 

 important matter. As soon as the vines are tied to the lower wire 

 the ground should be plowed away from the vines, using a one- 

 horse plow. Dig away all dirt that has been used in covering, at 

 once, cutting away, close to the vine, any surface roots that may 

 appear. There are many reasons for doing this. It keeps our vine 

 in shape to lay closer to the ground for winter covering. It does 

 away with the danger of winter-killing of surface roots. It induces 

 the growth of lower roots and makes it possible to give the ground 

 proper cultivation, which is usually done with an ordinary culti- 

 vator. I find, however, that a section of an iron harrow heavily 

 weighted, sloping the teeth well backward, is an excellent pulverizer. 



