Li 
t the fall pruning the most of the present years growth should be cut 
aia. enough should be left though for the next year’s crop of fruit, for the 
old wood gives no grapes. Pruning should be done between the 15th of 
October and the 15th of November, say the 1st of November. 
Protection. 
In two or three days after, the vines may be laid down and covered three 
to six inches deep with earth, and a few inches in depth of straw or litter 
over this, will prevent damage by freezing. : 
They should be,taken up and tied to the trellises about the 5th or 10th of 
May. 
F. G. G. 
Excelsior, Jan. 13th, 1877. 
DISCUSSION. 
Depth of Covering.—Propagation. 
Mr. Brand. I would like to know if the President approves 
the depth recommended in the paper ? 
President Smith. I cover with two or three inches of soil ; just 
enough so that it will not wash off. In the propagation of the 
Delaware, I use a shorter growth with the buds as close as possi- 
ble. Last year I made cuttings from the ripest wood, buried them 
through the winter, and from the 5th to the 10th of May planted 
in trenches, and tramped the earth solid around the bottoms. I 
filled the trench till the top bud was just covered, or about level 
with the surface. I got three feet of growth last year. 
My. Brand. Isa vine from a cutting as good as from a layer? — 
President Smith. It makes a better shaped and more healthy 
vine. Grown from a layer it bears a little sooner. I would culti- 
vate thoroughly or else mulch. Drought often uses up the vines 
just when they are forming roots. 
Mr. Grimes. I prefer cutting at a joint to the proper length, 
in the fall, and letting them callus through the winter. 
President Smith. The Delaware is the best variety, but it is a 
long time in coming to bearing. 
Cultivation. 
Mr. Kenney. What implement do you cultivate with? 
President Smith. The ground .is clean now. In the spring I 
take up the vines and let lie on the ground till the buds start. 
I spade over with the spading-fork when the weeds start. Some- 
MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 5b 
