195 
Some very interesting and curious facts are observable from a perusal of the fore- 
going table. Thestrongest seeding, in almost every case, furnishes the most flattering - 
results. The largest yield were those of Nos. 9 and 19, 230 bushels to an acre, and a 
difference of about 17 bushels in amount of seed used, while the proportion of small 
potatoes was unusually large. The best proportion of large potatoes was in Nos. 2, 4, 
and 5, and largest amount in No. 18. Two eyes to a piece and two pieces in a hill, 
and three eyes to a piece, are better than two single eyes; while three eyes to a piece 
and two pieces in a hill give 11 bushels less of large ones than a single piece of the 
same number of eyes, and nearly double the number of small ones, as will be seen by 
referring to Nos. 5 and 6. 
I find this minute in my memorandum at the time of planting, referring to Nos. 5 
and6: “The labor of cutting with three eyes to a piece is increased, and most of the 
seed ends thrown out.” Also of Nos. 7 and 8: ‘Seed ends left in and generally di- 
vided, and sometimes more than four eyes to a piece and less care in cutting.” No. 20, 
one large potato, eyes dug out. Of the seventy hills planted ten did not grow, and 
three of these were dug up and destroyed by fowls. Iam satisfied that the proportion 
of those which did not germinate would have been less had the planting been earlier. 
Everything which resembled an eye was carefully dug out, and the potatoes were all 
carefully examined by other parties previous to planting. What does it prove? It 
proves the wonderful vitality of the potato, and that the cutting and planting may be 
done with a machine without fearivg any material risk or damage from missed hills. 
From the result of these experiments my previous opinions are confirmed, and I 
would say use good seed and avoid the danger of a depreciating quality by feeding 
the small ones to your stock. I usually plant a good medium sized potato, and, if 
large, cut it once in two lengthwise. The “ field crop” noticed was grown alongside 
the above, and was, I think, less than my general crop. 
These potatoes were grown in the town of Paris, Oneida County, New York, in an 
elevated locality, 1,500 feet above the level of the sea. 5 
VINEYARD LANDS.—Our regular correspondent in Amador County 
writes as follows: 
This county is situated on the western slope of the Sierras, extending from the sum- 
mit to the foot-hills, with a breadth from north to south of thirty miles, and an alti- 
tude of-75 to 10,000 feet above tide-water. Beds of lava, indurated volcanic ash, . 
breccia, and bowlders, remains of the volcanic epoch, are found all the way from the 
summit to some miles ont on the plains, forming prominent landmarks all over the 
county. Every stream and gulch contains more or less of the broken-down matter of 
these beds, and without an analysis of the soil it is safe to conclude that it all con- 
tains a considerable quantity of voleanie débris. The slopes around these volcanic 
deposits have proved to be the paradise of the grape, where all kinds, whether from ° 
the borders of the Mediterranean or the Northern Rhine, flourish better than in their 
native homes. 
The vines are usually planted 8 feet apart each way, the gronnd being previously 
plowed as deeply as convenient, say 8 to 12 inches. Rooted vines are preferred, as 
coming sooner into bearing and requiring less care than cuttings. They are trained 
to a height of 12 to 24 inchesand staked up, for convenience in cultivating only, for the 
vines will bear equally as well, and, in the opiniou of many, better, if laid flat ou the 
ground, as there is no rain or dew to cause mildew or rot after the setting of the grape. 
The pruning may be done from November to March, in clear, sunny weather, as prun- 
ing in damp weather, however early in the winter, will cause the vine to bleed severely 
whenever the sap starts. They are trimmed toa close head, not more than three buds 
being left on a spur, and these all to be cut away the following year if buds nearer can 
be found. If the vines can be irrigated once or twice in June and July, they make a 
larger growth and come into bearing sooner. After the vine is pruned it is treated 
much like corn in the Western States, plowed with a bull-tongue shovel-plow, or any-~ 
thing that will loosen the ground to the depth of 3 or 4 inches, and all the suckers 
removed. After the trains cease they require no more attention except thinning out 
of the fruit, which is but little if the vines were properly pruned. A few bunches will 
be found the second year, and the fourth year a good crop will be obtained—two and 
a half to five tons to the acre. One man with a horse and plow will tend twenty acres, 
including pruning, suckering, cultivating, and gathering. 
Gathering cominences in October, and may be continued until December or even 
later, as the only loss is from birds and wild animals. It will be seen that but little 
work is required during the months of July and September, the hottest months of the 
year. 
If the vines ean be irrigated the yield may double the above estimate. The grapes 
will be improved for table use, being larger and of a milder flavor, but are not so val- 
uable for wine, owing to the excess of watery matter. The writer of this article has 
more than oace picked small patches of grapes yielding at the rate of sixteen tons to 
_ the acre. 
