Grape Culture. 51 



where the Phylloxera abounds, it abounds most in the driest 

 parts of the border. This proves that vine borders must 

 never be allowed to become very dry at any time. 



There is one consolation, and that is, that Phylloxera will 

 not breed on the roots of other plants. It is indigenous to 

 the vine. In conclusion I must state that it is the duty of 

 every gardener to immediately dig up and burn his vines if, 

 unfortunately, attacked with Phylloxera Vastatrix. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



PROPAGATION. 

 SEED. 



IN describing the many methods of propagating the vine, let 

 me begin with the seed. The method of raising vines from seed, 

 however, is not often practised. Unless the flowers from which 

 the seed has been produced has been cross-fertilised, they 

 invariably reproduce themselves and are thus of little value. 

 Presuming that the seed is worth sowing, having been collected 

 in August or September, sow at once in pots or pans of sand 

 and loam ; plunge the pots in a propagating pit with 80 

 bottom heat. If sown in pans, pot them off as soon as they 

 can be handled. Replunge them where they were. For 

 Spring sowing, keep the fruit until time of sowing, then gather 

 and sow ; and middle of February will do for this. When kept, 

 the seed of the grape loses its vitality. The seedlings must 

 just be grown on steadily until ready for the vine border. 



CUTTINGS. 



Most know what a cutting is, so that will need little des- 

 cription. The vine cuttings are made of well-ripened wood, 

 having four or five eyes, with a heel of the old wood. They are 



