198 AMERICAN GRAPE GROWING 



sional cases where the split in the stock extends so far 

 down that it will not hold the stock firmly. The suc- 

 cess of the operation depends mainly on a close junction 

 of stock and cion from the top to the bottom of the cleft. 

 The third man follows, drawing well-pulverized earth 

 around the base of the cion, or the junction, pressing it 

 on and around the cleft and the top of the stock, and 

 then drawing well-pulverized earth around the cion, 

 leaving only the two upper buds exposed. This finishes 

 the operation. It is wise to drive a stake at each graft 

 soon after the operation. It serves as a protection to 

 the young graft, and the young, tender growth, when it 

 appears, should at frequent intervals be tied to the stake. 

 Suckers from the stock should be promptly removed. 



CHAPTER XL. 



SELECTION OF VARIETIES. 



The whole success of the vineyard may depend on a 

 proper selection of varieties. It is, however, almost im- 

 possible to give general rules, as some soils are especially 

 adapted for producing the choicest red wines, while 

 others will give that delicacy of flavor, that sprightliness 

 and fullness especially admired in the Hocks and Sau- 

 ternes, of which the Riesling and the Semillion may be 

 considered the leading types. Generally we expect the 

 finest red wines from soils rich in iron, to give them the 

 fine, violet color, the tannin and fine bouquet, while the 

 finest white wines are generally produced on lighter col- 

 ored, gravelly soils. That there is an immense difference 

 in soil and location goes without saying. The cultivator 



