332 THE FRUIT PLANTATION 



Even as far north as Maryland, figs can be grown by 

 laying them down in winter. 



3. The Grape 



In order that they may ripen, in most of the states 

 grapes require a rather warm soil and a sunny exposure. 

 That they may escape both the late spring and early 

 autumn frosts, they should be planted in elevated spots, 

 as far as possible. The distance should vary according 

 to the growth of the variety and the method of training. 

 Some of the small -growing sorts may be as close as 

 eight feet each way, but ten feet between the rows is 

 desirable for most kinds; although some growers prune 

 strong -growing varieties so that they stand sixteen feet 

 apart in the row, ten or twelve feet will ordinarily be 

 better. Trellises are much more commonly used than 

 stakes to support the vines. For these the posts are set 

 about twenty -five feet apart, so that they will stand six 

 feet out of the ground, and for a vertical trellis, two 

 No. 10 galvanized wires are placed upon them; one being 

 at the top of the posts, and the other two feet below it. 

 A horizontal trellis is preferred by some. This is made 

 by placing cross arms two feet long near the top of the 

 posts, and upon these stretching three wires about one 

 foot apart. Persons who desire specific information on 

 training grapes, should consult "Pruning -Book." 



VARIETIES OF GRAPES. Under nearly all conditions, the 

 Concord will be a valuable black variety, although Wor- 

 den, which is a few days earlier, may be preferred by 

 many. Moore's Early has been our best very early black 

 variety, but is likely to be superseded by Campbell's 

 Early, which is a stronger vine, more productive, bunches 

 larger, fruit of better quality, and of superior keeping 

 qualities, making it valuable for shipping purposes. Ca- 



