PLANTING THE VINE. 451 



vigorously, i8 not less prolific than that variety, and sets its fruit 

 equally well. We have in the same border four vines of this variety 

 growing upon its own roots, and four grafted upon the Hamburgh. 

 The latter are remarkable for the size and finish of bunches and berries 

 the former for their shabby appearance, we might say uselessness. 



No proof could be clearer than this of the behaviour of this variety 

 upon the new red sandstone formation, and .we believe many who con- 

 demn this superb variety do so because it is growing upon its own 

 roots. Grafted, it kept with us as well as the Hamburgh until Christ- 

 mas, while upon its own roots, the berries were all damping before the 

 end of October. Some keep it long in this way. 



Among the varieties which are improved by grafting we would 

 mention the Frontignans, Chasselas Musque, and that fine new grape, 

 the Golden Champion, for though it grows tolerably well upon its own 

 roots, we find it does much better grafted upon a well-established 

 stock. Of the kind of stock used, the Hamburgh is perhaps the best 

 for the black varieties, and the Muscat of Alexandria for the white ones. 

 Some have tried a stronger stock, such as the Barbarossa, Syrian, &c., 

 but they are not so good as those which we have before mentioned. 



The stocks, which should be established plants in 6-inch pots, being 

 selected, the stems not being less than half an inch in diameter at the 

 base, select the grafts of nearly the same size, and put them on in 

 the whip-fashion, fitting stock and scion neatly together, and tying 

 them securely. Then immediately coat them round with the French 

 cold grafting wax, sold by Messrs. Hooper in Covent Garden, and the 

 work is done. The grafting may be performed while the plant is 

 in a dormant state, cutting it down to the necessary height six inches 

 to nine inches at the end, then placing it in a moderately close place 

 where the temperature does not exceed 50 until such time as the 

 buds of the graft begin to swell. Then the temperature may be 

 gradually increased up to 70, and if at the same time the pots can be 

 placed in a nice gentle bottom heat, the progress of the plants will be 

 much accelerated. Once fairly established with a young growth of 

 six inches, loosen the bandages and let the plants have free scope, re- 

 potting or preparing them for planting out as has been previously 

 directed. Some people prefer to plant below the junction of the stock 

 and graft. We do not, as, if the stock is of any use at all, it is im- 

 portant that its influence should be kept intact. 



In grafting upon the old stock that is, to put a new kind upon an 

 established vine it is usual to cut the old plant down to within two 

 feet of its base, leaving at the winter pruning a certain number of 

 buds to draw the sap until such time as the graft or grafts are 

 established ; then, a fortnight or three weeks before the vines are to 

 be started into growth, and while they are quite dormant, take some 

 strong, well-ripened shoots of the previous season's growth, hold each 

 quite firm, and an inch above and below the bud ; with a sharp knife 

 cut from the upper side downwards, split the graft through the pith, 

 paring the part quite smooth, and it will be fit for use. Cut a notch 

 into the old vine of a size suitable to take the graft, making it fit 



G G 2 



