CULTIVATION OF THE VINE. 147 



Moreover, such top dressing will be soon ex- 

 hausted by the action of the sun, besides which 

 it would become the harbour of myriads of in- 

 sects, ready to attack and feed on the life blood 

 of the vine, and exhaust and wither its force and 

 energy. ' 



ARTICLE VI. 



The, operation of laying the branches, in order 

 to form a new plant from the rooted vine. 



THIS work should be performed in the spring 

 during a dry time, when the ground has become 

 warmed by the rays of the sun. It is advisable 

 not to defer it too late, as the vine usually begins 

 to swell, and push its buds early in April where 

 the season proves favorable, and as in performing 

 this operation, it frequently happens where the 

 branch is to be laid, issues from the plant near 

 the surface of the ground, it is necessary to cut 

 some of the small roots, which is injurious to the 

 vine from the loss of sap that must ensue. If, 

 moreover, the buds should have begun to swell, 

 the danger of injury is increased, or it may be, 

 of utter ruin to them. The first step of perform- 

 ing this operation, is to open a trench the full 

 length of the branch, sinking the trench at least 

 half a foot below the level, at which it is intend- 



