62 MY VINEYARD. 



which I possessed, and to allow every one the full benefit 

 of my experience. 



THE SECOND YEAR. 



In the spring of the second year, I rubbed off all the 

 buds on the stem which were within six inches of the 

 ground. Two canes, one from each of the two nearest 

 buds above this, were allowed to grow. They were 

 stopped when they had reached the height of the stakes. 

 The laterals were stopped when they had reached a length 

 of a foot, and again stopped after every one or two addi- 

 tional leaves. One bunch of fruit was allowed to each 

 cane, all other flower clusters being taken oif as they ap- 

 peared. The soil was kept mellow and free from weeds, 

 the horse cultivator being easily used, as the vines rowed 

 both ways. Nearly every vine produced two well ripen- 

 ed bunches of fruit. Besides using all we wanted in the 

 family, and ofiering it liberally to our neighbors, as they 

 came in to see our progress in the new business, four hun- 

 dred pounds were sold, which netted about twenty-five 

 dollars. They were sent to the city, and sold on commis- 

 sion. Grapes from other localities were also sent to the 

 same place in considerable quantities, but the demand was 

 fully equal to the sujDply. I judged from this that a ready 

 market could be found there or elsewhere, for all the 

 grapes which would be likely to be grown for some years 

 to come. Should the result prove otherwise, wine-making 



