THE GRAPE. 41 7 



market value of the fruit that not a few commercial growers 

 regularly bag their fruit bunches. While the cheapest and 

 thinnest paper bags oftentimes are equally effectual, good 

 stout ones of manilla may be purchased at a low figure. 

 Those commonly used by growers, holding about two pounds, 

 are right. Enclose the bunch as soon as the berries are well 

 formed ; do not wait for them to grow. Draw the top of the 

 bag together, fold it over the stem of the vine, turn it over, 

 and pin. It may be left thus until the grapes are fully ripe, 

 when they will be found as large, as nicely colored, and 

 much more perfect and handsome than those not so protected 

 (Fig. 567). The illustration is from " Gardening." 



SOIL FOR VINEYARDS. 



The long-established practice of highly enriching the deep 

 vine borders of exotic grape-houses formerly misled some cul- 

 tivators into the practice of heavily manuring the ground in- 

 tended for vineyards of hardy American varieties. It is now 

 fully proved that land of moderate fertility is much better. 

 Rich soils produce a strong growth of canes and leaves, at the 

 expense of the fruit, and render the wood more liable to win- 

 ter-killing. A considerable proportion of clay in the soil, pro- 

 vided there is a perfect underdrainage, is better than light 

 sand or gravel. The most successful vineyards are planted 

 along the borders of large open waters, where the soil is com- 

 posed of what is termed drift giving a perfect natural drain- 

 age. The south shore of Lake Erie, from Dunkirk to San- 

 dusky, extending a few miles inland, and the borders of 

 Keuka Lake, in Western New York, have proved to be ad- 

 mirably adapted to vineyard culture; and other places in 

 proximity to open water, away from frequent fogs, and with 

 a loose or shelly soil, will doubtless be found equally good. 



While such localities as these should be sought for extended 

 or market cultivation, in nearly every portion of the country 

 vines for a family supply may be raised by proper under- 

 drainage, and the selection of hardy or productive sorts. 



At the same time that moderate fertility is to be sought 

 constant cultivation must be given through the growing sea- 

 son. The best managers pass the cultivator once a week. 

 27 



