10 Remarks on the Cultivation 



angle of obliquity, the rays of the sun do not pass through common 

 glass at all, or but partially, but are mostly reflected from its surface. 



With respect to vineyard culture, and for wine, the American 

 grapes have obtained a decided preference over the foreign varieties^ 

 by those who have tried both. William Kenrick. 



Newton, Dec. 16, 1834. 



Art. II. Remarks on the Cultivation of the Grape Vine. 

 By Pemberton. 



It is not my intention to track the practical gardener, nor to write 

 a treatise on the raising of the vine ; but simply to record a few 

 observations and experiments made while amusing myself in cul- 

 tivating a few varieties in my own garden, in the open air : and 

 this, 1 think, is the only method of understanding the successful 

 management, and obtaining a true knowledge of growing to per- 

 fection, one of the most delicious and excellent fruits; and one 

 which may be had, with little care and attention, by every family 

 in the city or country. 



In the first place, I do not approve of the practice of purchasing 

 old plants, and of uncertain kinds, of the vine. I much prefer to 

 procure cuttings of such as I am very confident are true to the 

 name ; for, if properly attended to, they will come into a bearing 

 state almost as soon as those set out with roots. I take the cut- 

 tings and prepare them by pruning them to the length of eight or 

 nine inches, leaving three eyes to each, put them down where I 

 intend to have my standard vines, and mark the name on some 

 kind of a label that will retain the same for as great a length of 

 time as possible ; when likely to become obliterated, I have it 

 renewed. A new method of writing on zinc labels, with a chem- 

 ical ink, has lately been discovered, obviating all the difficulties 

 which have heretofore existed; they having the property of re- 

 taining the name for many years. I have lately tried them, and 

 would highly recommend them. They may be had at any of the 

 seed-stores. 



I put two cuttings in each place ; if they both grow, I remove 

 one, so as not to have it interfere with the intended standard. 

 They must be put rather deep in the ground, leaving only one eye 

 (the third) above it, and rubbing off the others. In the fall of the 

 year, the vine, after it has made its annual growth, if a foreign 

 variety, should be laid down and protected with a little straw or 

 leaves. The Isabella, and all native grapes, will bear the winter, 

 unprotected, in all common seasons, if they are not pruned till 

 February. In the latter part of February, or beginning of March, 



