33 



cuttings should be planted in rows, from two to three feet apart, leaving 

 from four to six inches between in the lines. Many plant closer, but 

 this, in the opinion of the writer, is a mistake, as when the cuttings 

 begin to root they must have space for development. The rooting of the 

 cuttings will be assisted by placing a layer of broken charcoal, about an 

 inch thick, at the bottom of each trench so that the heels will rest upon 

 it. Failures often occur through cuttings being allowed to get too dry 

 before they are planted ; in fact, many thousands fail every year in 

 Australia from this cause alone. Though the Grape possesses great 

 vitality, and will stand some ill-usage, yet when the wood, by long con- 

 tinued exposure, has its juices dried up more or less, growth becomes 

 uncertain. Cuttings are too frequently sent to planters with little or no 

 coverings to protect them, and sometimes remain for weeks in this 

 condition before they are put into the ground, and as a consequence a 

 large proportion will fail. It will, therefore, be advisable to partially or 

 wholly bury the cuttings in the soil till they are wanted, and when sent 

 away they should be packed so that they will not suffer from exposure 

 till they arrive at their destinations. 



Showing form of Hoots from a long 

 Cutting. 



Showing Form of Eoot^ from a short 

 Cutting. 



Layering is a method not generally practised, though it is often 

 useful for filling up gaps in vineyards, where plants have gone off. It is 

 effected by simply bending down the branches, and covering them with 



2B 



