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Manure with fine old compost, as for a good crop of corn, 

 say ten cords to the acre. This preparation may be followed by 

 mineral manures ashes, ground bone, and gypsum once in 

 two or three years. 



The Delaware and other slow growers will endure and require 

 higher fertilization. 



High manuring with rank nitrogenous manures causes a lux- 

 uriant growth of immature, spongy wood, in no condition to 

 withstand disease and exposure, or to produce the best results 

 in fruit. You want fruit, not barren canes. 



Never select a spot for a vine where the soil or the foliage 

 will be shaded. What is wanted is heat, especially at the root. 

 Ten degrees of heat will hasten maturity at least ten days. 



Plant in situations protected by buildings, belts of evergreen 

 trees, hedges, or high fences, when practicable. These will 

 break the sweep of violent winds, that would otherwise drive off 

 the heat so important to the vine. A hill-side is preferable to a 

 valley. 



Heavy, wet soil is to be avoided, as the temperature will be 

 reduced by constant evaporation. The vine seldom fails for 

 want of moisture. 



Do not plant too many kinds for the market ; but for the gar- 

 den, let the varieties be such as to suit all tastes, and the quan- 

 tity abundant. 



Be cautious how you invest largely in new, high-priced varie- 

 ties. Wait a little, and such vines will be as cheap as any, and 

 you are not likely to want them at any price. They will have 

 proved their entire worthlessness, or that they are no better than 

 the old standard kinds. 



Never divest a vine of its leaves to let in the sun, thinking 

 thereby to hasten ripening. The exposure of the fruit to our 

 hot suns by day, and cold winds and foggy air at night, will re- 

 sult in mildew and all manner of mischief. The foliage affords 

 a natural shade and protection to the fruit ; and the more luxu- 

 riant the foliage, other conditions being equal, the larger the 

 fruit and the richer the flavor. 



