126 MY YIXEYARD. 



preyed upon by other vegetables, as in the case of mildew, 

 but by animals as well. At present, the enemies of the 

 grape, or rather the lovers of the grape among the insect 

 tribes, are not numerous enough to be seriously destruc- 

 tive. The farmer should first learn to distinguish between 

 those insects which prey upon others, and those which prey 

 upon plants, and then wage a ceaseless war of extermination 

 upon vegetable eaters of every kind, and in all stages of 

 their development. Let the insects which ravage upon any 

 crop once get the upper hand, and it were a hopeless task 

 to quell them. Kill one insect this year, and next year it 

 may save the ravages of a thousand. And it matters not 

 by whom it is killed. A bird's method is as effectual as 

 any ; therefore save those birds which are insect eaters. 



Planting. — I know of no better method of planting 

 than the one I pursued with my first acre of vines. It 

 might be done with half the care and trouble, but such 

 slackness would not be profitable. 



Time of Planting. — I have always planted in the 

 spring, and think that time the best for all regions where 

 the winters are severe. As a general thing it matters ht- 

 tle as to time, if tlie planting be well done. With sufficient 

 care, a plant may be moved in the height of summer with- 

 out injury. Whether you plant in spring or fall, be sure 

 to cut back the top so as to fully balance any loss the 

 root has sustained. 



Manure. — I believe in manure. Plants must have food, 



