132 



The Gaeden. 



but dry, rich loam is preferable. It must be deeply worked, 

 and, if at all wet, thoroughly underdrained. Lime, ashes, 

 plaster of Paris, and bone-dust may be added to the common 

 compost, or used as a top-dressing with great advantage. 

 Choose a warm, sunny exposure for your grapery. In the 

 shade the fruit is liable to mildew. 



All the varieties of the native grape are very readily propa- 

 gated by means of layering, and most of them will grow from 

 cuttings. Cuttings — unless struck where they are to remain, 

 which is the better plan — should be left where they are started 

 for two years before planting out. Layers may be planted out 

 the first year. Set the plants from twelve to twenty feet apart, 

 according to the height of the trellis and the mode of training 

 to be adopted. When planted, cut them down to about two 

 eyes from the ground, and allow only one of these to grow the 

 following season. 



In garden culture, grapevines are trained in various ways, as 

 fancy or convenience may dictate. Downing directs as follows : 

 " The two buds left on the set are allowed to form two up- 

 right shoots the next summer, which at the end of the season 

 «, / 1=, ^ ^ ^ are brought down to a horizontal 

 position, and fastened each Avay to 

 the lower horizontal rail of the 

 trellis, being shortened to three or 

 four feet, or such a distance each 

 way as it is wished to have the 

 plant extend. The next year up- 

 right shoots are allowed to grow 

 one foot apart; and these are 

 stopped at the top of the trellis. The third year, the trcl-is 

 being filled with vines, a set of lateral shoots will be produced 

 from the upright leaders, with from one to three bunches on 

 each. The vine is now perfect, and it is only necessary at the 

 autumnal or winter pruning to cut back the lateral shoots or 

 fi-uit spurs to witliin an inch of the uprights, and new laterals 

 producing fruit will amiually supjjly their places. If it shouL] 



TEAINING. 



