324 ERECTIONS, &C. 



small weak shoots to be laid in to form in a day (compara- 

 tively) a plant that is expected to withstand the vicissitude 

 of ages, and produce yearly its quantum of fruit ; but more 

 of this when treating of pruning. 



By eyes. This is our most favourite method of propa- 

 gating plants of this most valuable fruit. Early in the 

 month of March we cut the shoots into eyes, leaving about 

 an inch of wood on each extremity, and plant those with 

 their eyes uppermost into pots, and place them in a hot or 

 cold frame, prepared for the purpose ; plants from a single 

 eye may easily be made to grow twelve feet in one season, 

 by constant repotting and nourishing. The plants thus 

 growing are decidedly the best rooted, forming more capil- 

 lary fibres ; consequently more nutritious support to the 

 vine is absorbed in the same given period of time ; they 

 also form shorter joints, and are capable of producing more 

 fruit on a plant of the same size. We are aware that some 

 start at this idea, and say that in a few years it is not 

 observed. It reminds us very much of the son of the 

 "Isle of the Ocean," when asked how old his brother was, 

 replied, he was so much, but in two years he would be 

 "the same age." Nevertheless, this method of propagat- 

 ing may not be generally accessible, the former two plans 

 being at the command of every one. 



ON ERECTIONS FOR THE SUPPORT AND PROTECTION 

 OF THE VINE IN OUT-DOOR CULTURE. 



To limit the proper height for training grapes would be 

 a preposterous idea, for they can be perfectly cultivated in 

 this country on any height from four to forty feet : indeed, 

 on a wall of the former, we have thirty sorts of grapes 

 growing luxuriantly, and fruiting in the most profuse 

 manner. Some of the vines, four years old, which have 

 produced from six to nine bunches of fine fruit, which 

 only occupy, after pruning, a space of about eighteen 

 inches square. 



Walls of brick are decidedly the most preferable for the 

 perfection of the grape ; and if they be built for the express 

 purpose, the most judicious distribution of materials would 

 be in the erection of several low walls, not more than seven 





