RESISTANT VINEYARDS GRAFTING, PLANTING, CULTIVATION. 101 



square in section extending the whole length of the board. - The length 

 of the stock is determined by an adjustable piece of wood 3 inches long 

 placed at right angles to the longitudinal piece. A corner of the board 

 opposite this adjustable piece is cut off in such a way that the outer 

 edge of the board is 1% inches shorter than the other edge. A guide 

 line is then cut in the board parallel with the slanting edge left by the 

 saw and 1% inches from this edge. In using the gauge the base of 

 the cutting is placed against the adjustable piece and the cutting moved 

 backwards or forwards until a bud falls just to the right of the guide 

 line. The cutting is then cut off level with the edge of the board. This 

 gives each stock 1% inches of internode for grafting above the top 

 bud, with a maximum variation of 1% inches in total length. This 

 variation is of little consequence and can not be avoided. Greater 

 variations give trouble in planting. Any inconvenience due to even 



FIG. 3. Gauge for cutting stocks. 



this variation may be avoided by sorting the cuttings into two or three 

 lots according to length after cutting, though this sorting is perhaps 

 best deferred until the grafts are made. 



The next process is the disbudding of the stocks. If this is done 

 properly, it decreases greatly the number of stock suckers which will 

 appear in the nursery and which must be removed. With some varie- 

 ties, such as Riparia, all that is necessary is to cut out the main bud. 

 This is most easily and quickly done with a knife. With other varieties 

 such as the Rupestris St. George, it is necessary to cut more deeply and 

 to remove not only the main bud, but also the woody enlargement at 

 its base containing a number of dormant buds which readily give rise 

 to suckers. This is most easily done with a sharp pair of pruning 

 shears. Every bud on the stock should be removed. It is a mistake 

 to leave the bottom bud, as is sometimes done. This bud is of no use, as 

 rooting takes place just as well without it, and if it forms a sucker, 

 this sucker is the most troublesome of all to remove on account of its 

 position. 



' 2 BUL. 180. 



