76 THE AMERICAN VINE-DRESSER'S GUIDE. 



course understood that branches set apart for 

 provining are not to be clipped. 



OF FROSTS. 



As I have already stated in my preface, 

 winter frosts are not very hurtful to the vine ; 

 the buds are then downy, and contain but very 

 little moisture. Those vines only that are 

 planted in low or very damp soils suffer by the 

 frost. If, however, you have any fears, put 

 some manure about the foot of the trunk, and 

 tie a sheaf of straw firmly round it. This may 

 be done especially for the first few winters fol- 

 lowing the plantation, and will prove a cer- 

 tain means of preserving the plants. Take 

 care to remove the manure before the first 

 after-ploughing ; for, if left, it would be too 

 much for the vine, and prove injurious to it. 



But, although the plants may thus with- 

 stand the extreme cold of winter, as much 



