The Camadian Horticulturist, 



123 



old vines. 



GRAFTING THE GRAPE VINE. 



RAFTING grape vines is quite essential in vineyards where old or 

 worthless varieties have by accident been raised. In a very short 

 time the worthless vines can be made to produce an abundance of 

 superior grapes. Grafting yields many other results that must be 

 considered by every owner of vines. In testing new varieties of 

 grapes the easiest and quickest way to do it is to graft them on the 

 The new scions can be made to fruit the first year, and by the second 

 year a good crop can be obtained. Many varieties that cannot be produced 

 very readily from cuttings, will grow rapidly and successfully when grafted on to 

 old vines. When properly performed the grafter's art can be made to increase 

 the fruitfulness of the vines. Finally, and not the least important of all the 

 benefits derived from grafting, this has been found to be the only successful 

 way of fighting the phylloxera in California. 



The method of grafting grape vines should be about the same in all locali- 

 ties, but the time of year best suited for the work naturally differs. Usually the 

 spring of the year, from the first of April to the first of May, is the most suitable 

 period for this work. The sap of the vines should be in rapid motion at the 

 grafting so that the union will be made at once. The best wood of last season's 

 growth should be selected for the scions. The cuttings 

 should be selected early in the season, and then be 

 buried in bundles until needed for grafting. Frost will 

 injure them, and they should be perfectly free from all 

 exposure to it. The scions should be about the size of a 

 lead pencil, short-jointed, firm and of well-ripened wood. 

 The grafting is usually done at or near the surface 

 where the vigor of the old vines is the greatest. Cut 

 the stock off square at about one inch and a half above 

 the joint, or half way between two joints. If the stock 

 is a large one make a slight split in it with the knife or 

 chisel, press a wedge down to pry it open, and then 

 insert a scion on each side. The scions must also be cut 

 to a sloping point just below an eye. Push the scions down firmly, but be sure 

 to make the bark of the scion and stock meet. When the wedge is withdrawn 

 the bark of the two should meet firmly together, and if they do not the grafting 

 is not a success. 



If the grafting is properly done, and the union made perfect, no bandaging 

 is necessary. This is only an excuse to cover up poor workmanship. Some 

 light earth should be pressed firmly into the split, and all around where there 

 is any opening This dry earth will prevent the graft from drying out. If there 

 is any doubt about the work, a bandage of cloth and dirt after the old style can 



Fig 746. 

 G RAITED Vine. 



