*44 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



young canes of established vines, and may then fruit in the second year. Planting 

 in narrow borders, or budding or grafting on existing vines, are the usual methods 

 of testing seedlings. 



Layers. A branch or thoroughly ripened cane placed in the soil before the buds 

 start, secured with a peg and covered 1 inch deep with soil kept moist, will root 

 freely and make strong growth the following year. Layering may also be eifectecl in 

 pots, as shown in Fig. 17, Vol. I., page 103, or a cane may be taken through the 

 bottom of a 6-inch pot so as to have a bud or two above the rim, filling the pot with 

 soil, keeping duly supplied with water, and detaching when well rooted. 



Cuttings. This is the usual method of securing outdoor vines, also stocks for 

 grafting. The cutting may consist of two or three joints, Fig. 15, c?, Vol. I., page 100, 

 but in propagating from outdoor vines it is customary to take the cutting off with 

 a heel, which is pared smooth, the buds cut out on the part to be inserted in the 

 soil, leaving one or two at the top, and the whole length of the cutting 9 to 12 inches. 

 The cuttings may be inserted where the vines are desired to grow. The only care 

 needed to insure success is their insertion whilst dormant in free sandy soil, and 

 watering in dry weather. Thus any cottager may procure a cutting of the desired 

 variety, set it two-thirds or more of its length in the soil about 6 inches from his 

 cottage wall on the south side, and in a few years embower the front of his dwelling 

 with beautiful foliage, and have the satisfaction of eating the " fruit of his own 

 vine." 



"Eyes" This is the method commonly practised in Britain and other countries 

 where the grape vine is grown to afford fruit almost exclusively for dessert, and is the 

 method pursued by nurserymen. Besides the economy of wood, which is an object in 

 increasing new varieties, the root system secured is considered the most satisfactory, 

 because the roots are originated at the surface, but it is not applicable to the propagation 

 of the vine outdoors generally. 



The eye or bud must be taken from firm thoroughly ripened wood of the previous 

 year's growth, and the bud itself should be firm and round, not long and flat, as is 

 found on gross and immature wood. The bud may be prepared for insertion as shown 

 in Fig. 16, , /, m, Yol. I., page 101, giving preference to the examples in the order 

 there represented. Another method is to cut the cane through about \ inch above and 

 below the bud, and take off a slice of wood about a quarter the thickness of the cane 

 on the side opposite to the bud. This form of eye is represented in Fig. 74, V, page 245, 



