VINEYARDS. 81 



enriched at the outset, an annual top-dresshig will he all that 

 will be required to keep the vineyard in a flourishing and 

 healthy condition for two or three years. 



Although much has been written and said in regard to the 

 best method for cultivating the grape, we apprehend, by a large 

 part of the community, the subject is still very imperfectly 

 understood. Any careful observer cannot fail to notice, that 

 most of the vines planted in our gardens, and about our dwell- 

 ings, have been suffered to retain all their native habits. Instead 

 of being judiciously trimmed and properly trained, as they 

 should be every year, they are permitted to grow unmolested, 

 not only about the arbor or trellis provided for their accommo- 

 dation, but if by chance a tree comes within their reach, they 

 are allowed to stretch forth their tendrils to the nearest twigs, 

 and thus find ample means to assist them in their rambles, and 

 gratify all their roving propensities. All who suffer their vines 

 thus to wander unmolested, have good reason to expect their 

 crop will be a failure. Every grape-grower, whether on a larger 

 or smaller scale, for the vineyard or garden, should have a suit- 

 able trellis or arbor, beyond which the vine should never be 

 suffered to climb. Late in autumn after the vine has shed its 

 leaves, or in the early part of winter, it should be properly 

 trimmed ; and, if so situated that it can be conveniently done, 

 be taken from the trellis and laid on the ground to remain 

 through the winter, with some slight covering to hold it in 

 place. This is all the protection that will be required for the 

 hardy varieties, to enable them to withstand the most severe 

 winter. Early in the spring before the buds have become much 

 swollen, they should be taken up and carefully arranged again 

 on the trellis, there to be trained through the growing and 

 fruiting season. For further reliable information in relation to 

 this subject, see the very full and clear statement of Dr. Fisher. 



The committee have attended to the duty assigned them, by 

 carefully examining the only vineyard presented, finding it 

 highly satisfactory in regard to the location, general arrange- 

 ment, and mode of cultivation, and in a flourishing and healthy 

 condition. 



Cyrus Thurston, Chairman. 



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