84 



ameeica:n' geape growing 



ent plan is to tie a string, or ^^iece of bark, into your line 

 at the j)roper distance for each plant, then you have an 

 even measure every time. Dig a hole, 8 or 10 inches 

 deep, as shown in figure 16, in a slanting direction, rais- 

 ing a small mound of well pulverized earth in the center; 



then, having pruned your 

 plant, as in figure 15, with 

 its tops and roots shorten- 

 ed-in, as shown by the dot- 

 ted lines, lay it in, resting 

 the lower end on the 

 mound of earth ; spread 

 out its roots evenly to all 

 sides, and then fill in with 

 well pulverized earth, leav- 

 ing the upper bud above 

 the ground. When planted in fall, raise a small mound 

 around each vine, so as to drain off the water, and throw 

 a handful of mulch on top of the vines, to protect them. 

 All the work should be done when the ground is in good 

 condition, and dry and mellow enough to be worked in 

 well among the roots. 



o;. 16.— PLANTING THE VINE. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



TREATMENT OF THE VINE THE FHIST SUMMER. 



The first summer after planting, nothing is necessary 

 but to keep the ground loose and mellow and free from 

 weeds, stirring it freely with hoe, rake, and plow, when- 

 ever necessary, but never when the ground is wet. 

 Should the vines grow^ strong, they may be tied to the 

 small stakes, to elevate them somewhat above the ground. 

 Allow but one shoot to grow, rubbing off all others as 



