RESISTANT VINEYARDS GRAFTING, PLANTING, CULTIVATION. 125 



them. This lowering of the ridges is useful in gradually hardening 

 the unions. The soil is allowed 'to become dry around the unions 

 and they are thus prepared for the complete removal of the soil 

 around the unions which should take place later at a subsequent hoeing. 



Digging the Grafts. The grafts may be removed from the nursery 

 at any time after the leaves have turned yellow and before they are 

 needed for planting in the spring. It is best, however, to wait until 

 the leaves have fallen and the vines are perfectly dormant. If dug 



a b c 



FIG. 23. Effect of failure to remove raffia. 



at this time and kept in a cool place the buds will not start as soon 

 as if they are left in the ground. 



The grafts should be dug carefully in order not to injure the top, 

 body, or union. Cutting the roots does no harm, but tearing them 

 off should be avoided. They can be removed satisfactorily with a 

 nursery plant-digger. 



Sorting the Grafts. As soon as the grafts are out of the ground they 

 should be carefully sorted into three lots in accordance with their 

 root and top growth, and especially with regard to the strength and 

 completeness of the union. These lots are called No. 1 grafts, No. 2 

 grafts, and culls. The No. 1 grafts are those suitable for planting 

 in the vineyard ; the No. 2 grafts may be replaced in the nursery, and 

 the culls are rejected altogether. 



