170 THE GRAPE. 



are organized beings, containing fluid matter, and intended 

 to convey most of the nutriment upward to the whole 

 superstructure ; and if their tender cells become shrivelled, 

 they are not capable of again performing their offices with 

 the same degree of energy, but remain comparatively 

 inactive for a length of time, or die immediately. If the 

 top languishes, a weak start is the consequence, with per- 

 haps the loss of a whole season. 



If the trellis be accepted, the rows may be six feet 

 apart, and the plants four feet asunder ; but, in the ordi- 

 nary way of staking, five feet each way will be the nearest 

 possible distance. In putting down the roots, dig a hole 

 six inches deep, and wide enough for them to be spread 

 out all around ; cover carefully with well pulverized soil ; 

 cut off the head to two or three good eyes ; and, when the 

 vines begin to start, mulch over, so far as the roots extend, 

 with rotted barn-yard manure ; or, if that cannot be had, 

 then with any vegetable refuse, that is free from seeds, 

 that may be at hand.* 



When the shoots begin to elongate somewhat, it will be 

 seen which is going to be the strongest, and all the others 

 may be rubbed off. As this continues to grow, tie it up to 

 the stake or trellis, pinch out the laterals (the small side- 

 shoots which grow at the base of each leaf) to one eye, as 

 they are produced, and rub off all superfluous suckers or 

 branches. Nothing further will be required than to keep 

 the ground free from weeds, by hoeing, or the plough, 

 through the summer. The long-rod method of training is 

 one of the best for the vineyard, but a periodical extension 

 is still better, as it is more in accordance with the consti- 

 tutional powers of the grape-vine, more particularly tho 

 strong, growing natives, and alike applicable to all the 

 varieties. Here is one of the greatest advantages of the 

 trellis versus the pole method, as with the latter no greater 



