42 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



worth. Neither should I advise a novice to start in the business. 

 If, however, a person has a vineyard well situated and in good 

 condition, I think it wise to attempt the growing of the best 

 possible quality of product. Prices for 1894 are likely to be 

 better than the last season. The quantity grown will probably 

 be less, and the anticipated improvement in business together with 

 this hope gives us the right to assume that prices will be better. 



To attain the quality that commands the highest price calls 

 really for only a few conditions, but they are imperative, and are 

 as important to the amateur with his few vines as to the extensive 

 cultivator. What I have to say in a brief way in this regard will 

 apply equally to both classes. 



My own experience, coupled with observation, has taught me 

 that the best soil, where there is a choice, is a strong one inclining 

 to clay, but not too heavy, and it must be well drained, either 

 naturally or artificially. A gentle southern or southeastern slope, 

 near to but not on the summit of elevated land is desirable. 

 Shelter of laud, trees, or buildings is useful. No especial prepara- 

 tion of the soil is necessary. A field in fit condition for corn is 

 also suitable for grape vines. Two years old plants may be the 

 best but usually are not. Unless they have been transplanted at 

 one year and the roots shortened in, I should choose one year 

 olds. Spring is the preferable season for planting, and the earlier 

 the better, providing the soil is friable. Cultivation should take 

 place as soon after every packing rain as the surface will work 

 mellow. No training is necessary the first year. As soon as the 

 leaves fall the vine should be cut to the ground, leaving two or 

 three buds only. The second year a temporary stake should be 

 used to support the growing vine, which needs no other training, 

 and no pruning except that a single cane only is allowed to grow. 

 The autumn pruning is like that of the first year, two or three 

 buds only being left upon the vine. 



At the commencement of the third season a permauent support 

 should be provided according to the system of training that is to 

 be adopted, whether trellis, stakes, or otherwise. The object in 

 view during the season is to grow a single, strObg cane for fruit- 

 age the subsequent year. When the length of six feet is reached 

 the end is to be stopped by pinching off the point. All laterals 

 which grow from this cane should be pinched sutliciently close that 

 they may not divert growth from it, but otherwise there should be 



