THE VINE in 



fresh soil for the roots just when they need it. In two years' 

 time the border may be widened to the extent of another 2 feet, 

 and again, at the end of a similar period, it should be enlarged 

 to the full 6 feet. 



Planting should take place in autumn, a few weeks after 

 the completion of the border ; this will allow time for the soil 

 to settle to something like its normal level. The; uppermost 

 roots ought not to be deeper than 2 inches or so beneath the 

 surface, and all roots should be spread out as much as possible. 

 It is a great mistake to plant the Vine just as it is turned out 

 of the pot, without disentangling the roots. The soil should 

 be made thoroughly firm about the roots, and when planting 

 is completed the border must be watered. Take care that the 

 roots are well watered the day before planting. 



Initial Pruning and Training. If the Vine is one year 

 old only, it will be necessary to prune hard, to within 6 or 8 inches 

 of the base, late in January of the year following planting. One 

 or two of the buds, at least, will start into growth as spring 

 advances, and if it is intended to restrict the Vine to one stem, 

 the weakest of the shoots is rubbed off. Great care must be 

 taken of the remaining shoot, for this will form the stem of the 

 Vine. It should be tied to a stake for support, and, as it pro- 

 gresses, be tied to the trellis fixed some 15 or 18 inches below 

 the roof. As soon as the new stem is 6 feet long the end should 

 be pinched off. 



The following spring the Vine is pruned back to within 4 

 or 5 feet of its base. Numerous buds will start into growth, 

 and all those between the bottom of the trellis and the ground 

 ought to be rubbed off, thus giving the Vine a clear stem from 

 the soil to the trellis. Some of the shoots on the upper part 

 of the Vine must also be removed. The object is to encourage 

 lateral or side shoots on each side of the stem at about 15 to 

 18 inches apart, those on one side alternating with those on 

 the other. 



The amateur must choose the most likely shoots 

 for the laterals, allow them to develop, and rub off those in 

 between. The uppermost bud will continue the stem of the 

 Vine, and must be allowed to grow 6 or 8 feet in length before 

 the end is pinched off. The lateral shoots, on the contrary, 

 ought to be " stopped " at the first or second joint beyond 

 the bunch, or, if no bunch shows, when they arc about 12 inches 



