74 MY VINEYARD. 



would be desirable in localities where the crops of the 

 present varieties are occasionally injured by early frosts. 

 Whether or not the lona, which has been produced by 

 great labor, and which now promises so much, will sup- 

 ply this want in every particular, can be positively de- 

 termined only by still farther trial. 



2. Layering. — There is no method of propagation 

 which will produce so strong and vigorous plants, as lay- 

 ering. To produce plants by this method, wood, which 

 is either one year old, or of the current season's growth, 

 may be used. About the first of July select a shoot, 

 which is strong and vigorous, and bend it down to the 

 ground, being careful that the curve is not too abrupt. 

 At the point where the cane touches the ground, cut it 

 about h'alf way through, from the upper side, with a 

 slanting cut. Dig a hole, about three inches deep, and 

 fasten the cane into it, so that the cut shall come in the 

 bottom of the hole. A hooked stick may be used to 

 fasten down with. The hole may now be filled, and the 

 soil pressed down. The portion of the cane beyond the 

 point layered, may be tied up to a stake. The layer will 

 soon throw out roots, and may be detached from the 

 parent plant in six or seven weeks. It will now be a 

 strong plant, ready to set out where it is to grow. 

 Should it be set out early enough to become somewhat 

 established before the approach of winter, it would prob- 

 ably bear fruit the next season, though it would not be 

 desirable for it to do so. 



