LAYERING THE VINE. 63 



end of the first season or the spring following. In taking 

 them off cut them loose from the stakes, then lift them, 

 using a fork instead of a spade, and proceed to cut them 

 apart. First cut the layer close up to the parent vine, and 

 thon cut off that portion that was above ground and has 

 no roots ; the next cut should be between the first and sec- 

 ond upright shoot near the first, and so on to the end, 

 leaving those roots on each plant, below it or toward the 

 parent vine. I am thus particular in showing how the 

 vine should be separated, because I have seen layers so 

 separated that the roots left on them were nearer the top 

 end of the layer than the shoot was, and the sap would 

 have to reverse its course and descend the layered cane to 

 reach the new vine. It will do so sometimes, but not 

 readily. Other methods are practiced in making layers, 

 but I believe those described are the best. 



There is one, however, which has lately come into use, 

 that deserves a passing notice. It is that of making lay- 

 ers of the green wood in summer. An occasional good 

 vine may be made in this manner ; but upon the whole the 

 practice is not only injurious to the original vine, but the 

 plants produced in this manner are generally feeble, as 

 neither roots nor wood are fully matured by the time they 

 have to be separated from the parent vine. 



The propagation of vines from green cuttings has been 

 the cause of thousands of failures throughout the country, 

 as well as the condemnation of many excellent varieties, 

 and I fear that green wood layers will add to the already 

 too general complaint about poor, sickly vines. 



