FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS 



CHAPTER III 



THE VARIOUS SYSTEMS OF PROPAGATION 



Propagation by Layering — Propagation by Seed — Cross Fertilization — 

 Propagation by Inarching — Propagation by Grafting 



THE Grape vine may be easily propagated and, with the proper iaciii- 

 ties at command, there will be very little trouble, as a rule, in raising 

 young plants. There are different methods in vogue, such as by cut- 

 tings, layering and eyes. 



Fruit experts have held for many years that the plants propagated from 

 the eyes are the most satisfactory in every respect. It should be borne in mind, 

 however, that in order to get the best results, it is absolutely necessary that the 

 stock selected for this purpose be thoroughly ripened wood. Although the effect 

 of using unripe wood may not be evident when the young plants are first rooted, 

 yet it will appear later. If two batches' were put in at the same time, one with 

 the wood thoroughly ripened and the other with unripened wood, both batches 

 would probably root equally well, but the ripened wood, doubtless, would grow- 

 away from the other, and make much better plants before the end of the season. 

 To the unobservant the vines, when dormant, may all look ripe. Yet there is 

 a wide difference. Some w^ood w^ll cut pithy and soft, and this is very undesir- 

 able, while the wood that cuts hard, or almost like dried wood, is ideal stock for 

 raising vigorous plants. This may seem a point of small importance; never- 

 theless, the very best is none too good for future purposes, and the end in view 

 should not be lost sight of. 



The question has often been asked: When is the best time to propagate 

 young vines.' I should say from the middle to the end of January, and this 

 for two reasons: in the first place, it gives one a good season in which to grow 

 the canes; in the second place, by the time they are rooted, the days are some- 

 what longer, a circumstance which promotes the growth. Whereas, if the 

 plants are started earlier, they run the lisk of having their growth checked during 

 the dark days of Winter. The result would be a stunted cane only fit for the 

 rubbish pile. 



As stated, select the most perfect, plump eves, leaving about half an inch 

 of wood on each side of the eye. A slight incision may be made on the side opposite 

 the eye, a little below the bark; this, however, is not necessary, for the wood will 

 callus below the eye as the bud progresses, and the roots will follow. Where 



