66 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



ing the soil is not necessary ; deep ploughing is sufficient, be- 

 cause grape-roots do not extend deeply. Strong one-year-old 

 vines are as good as any ; but we do not object to those two 

 years old. We prefer to set them in the spring. In regard to 

 training, there is a great difference of opinion even among old 

 grape-growers. We liavc had good success with certain kinds 

 by spiral training to a single stake, and the spur style of prun- 

 ing. We have tried wire and wooden trellises, and find that 

 they answer a good purpose. The renewal system has its ad- 

 vantages. Something depends upon the habit of the vine. 

 Most of the Rogers numbers are rampant, and will not bear 

 cramping. We have never been able to get good bunches from 

 No. 15 when trained spirally, while the little Delaware will give 

 good crops with such treatment. Some of the largest crops of 

 grapes we have ever seen were raised in trees, the vine left 

 pretty much to itself. And we are told that this plan is exten- 

 sively practised in Italy. When so trained, they seem to be 

 almost wholly exempt from the ravages of mildew, the great 

 obstacle to successful grape-growing. They generally ripen 

 earlier in the trees for this reason. The vines should not be 

 set nearer than eight feet apart each way. Many of ours are 

 only six, and we find they are crowded when in foliage. If set 

 to stakes, the cultivator can be run both ways, saving much 

 expense in tlie care of the grounds. We do not believe in deep 

 tillage in the vineyard. Mildew should be carefully watched, 

 and prevented, if possible. Prune always in November, if pos- 

 sible, and lay down the vines, unless they are very hardy, like 

 the Concord. Always avoid severe summer pruning, which has 

 a tendency to suddenly check the growth of the vine, and induce 

 disease. If the fruit is sent to market, it should be placed in 

 rather small packages, and well packed. 



Having spoken thus freely of grape-growing, some are ready 

 to ask what varieties shall we plant ? — a question that we have 

 had asked many scores, if not hundreds of times, and one, too, 

 that is difficult to answer to the satisfaction of all. Many now 

 before me will doubtless differ with me, and give a somewhat 

 different list. We speak both from a somewhat extensive expe- 

 rience and close observation in this section of country. First 

 and foremost, all things considered, we place the Concord, not 

 that it is of the highest quality, for, as we get it in Massachu- 



