30 ON THE CULTURE 



outside of the bed, do not suffer them to run 

 more than one joint at a time. 



Keep the leaves thinned, by taking out the 

 oldest first, in order that they may stand single, 

 and not one over the other; to accomplish 

 which it will be necessary to peg them out. 

 When taking off the leaves, cut them close to the 

 vine, not leaving a long stalk, as that will rot and 

 injure the plants. When they are laid, be par- 

 ticular in having the plants down close to the 

 mould, as early as possible, in order that they may 

 strike root ; at the same time being careful not to 

 bury the vine. In doing this, place a little mould 

 round the side of the vine first, leaving the top 

 uncovered until it is a little hardened, and the 

 roots begin to strike. When such is the case, 

 cover the vine all over, and then you may con* 

 tinue laying within one joint of the extremity. 



It is here necessary to observe, that very few 

 are acquainted with the advantages that may 

 be derived from laying the plants in a proper 

 iiiuuncr. Many even, who are in the habit of 



