HARDY GRAPES. 



241 



ago. trained and pruned in this way, is still in excellent 

 vigor, and looks as if it might remain so for twenty years 

 longer. A top-dressing of rotted manure is placed on 

 the border (nine feet wide on each side) every fall, and 

 forked in in the spring. The same system of pruning and 

 training is equally applicable to vines planted against 

 fences or walls having an eastern or southern aspect. 



The distance apart at Avhicli grape-vines may be planted, 

 except the Delaware and a few of the weaker growing 

 sorts, is about eight feet. The Delaware may be set 

 one-third closer if trained in the manner described ; but 



Fig. 74. — VINE SPUR-PKUNED. 



if planted in the open field, and trained to stakes and 

 wires, as shown in figure 75, they may be planted, to begin 

 with, at least three feet in the rows and six feet between. 

 Although grape-vines are hardy in nearly all sections, 

 yet in any locality where the thermometer falls to zero 

 it is beneficial to lay them down close to the ground, 

 and cover them up with rough litter, before the ap- 

 proach of severe weather in winter, allowing it to remain 

 on in spring until the buds begin to swell, when the 

 vines are uncovered and tied up to the trellis or stake. 

 If covered in this way they should be pruned before 

 being laid down. Pruning may be dime at any time 

 from November to March. It is a common belief that 

 grape-vines should be pruned only at certain seasons. 

 The weather must not be too cold, otherwise it is sup- 



