24:2 AMERICAN GRAPE GROWING 



VITIS CANDICANS, Engelmann (Mustang Grape of 

 Texas). I have not observed this vine in its native habi- 

 tat, but am told that it is a strong grower, climbing to 

 the tops of the tallest trees. Leaves deeply lobed, almost 

 like those of a watermelon, downy above and below, 

 though more so on the lower side ; growth long and 

 straggling. Said to be fully resistant to phylloxera, but 

 difficult to propagate from cuttings. 



All of these four species grow readily from seeds, as 

 does the riparia. For grafting stock, my preference 

 would be riparia and rupestris, as they are strong grow- 

 ers, and seem to nourish in all kinds of soil. 



PROPAGATION. 



All that has been said in the first part of the book will 

 also apply here, with perhaps some modifications to 

 suit the soil and climate. Most of the vineyards of 

 mnifera thus far planted, were started directly with cut- 

 tings, set in early spring. As all the varieties of this 

 grow very readily from cuttings, this seemed to be 

 the easiest and cheapest mode, and was universally fol- 

 lowed, although the cuttings used varied in length from 

 fifteen to thirty inches, according to the practice followed 

 by the different planters. A great many, however, begin 

 to prefer rooted vines, started in a nursery, as they make 

 a more even stand, and also produce sooner. 



I would not advise any one, however, with the ravages 

 of the phylloxera in some parts of the State before his 

 eyes, to use anything but resistant vines for stocks, 

 and to graft these afterwards, if desired, with the 

 best vinifera varieties. For the purpose, I would obtain 

 cuttings of either riparia or rupestris, from ten to 

 twelve inches long, and plant them in the nursery for 

 one year, where they will make good, stocky plants, to be 

 transferred to the vineyard the next year, and grafted the 

 second or third spring, according to their strength. The 



