THE GRAPE-VINE FAMILY. 



569 



Grapes, which just now, when large berries are admired, would 

 be a decided acquisition. 



Vines on their own roots or for stocks in this country are 

 generally propagated from " eyes " or cuttings of the last year's 

 wood, taken off when the Vines are pruned say, in December 

 or January. Select medium-sized and thoroughly hard or well- 

 ripened wood ; for there is a certain analogy between a bud 

 or eye and a seed or a bulb and perfect ripeness, for the full 

 development of their several parts is necessary to insure their 

 vigorous germination or growth. Cut the eyes as represented 

 in our engravings fig. a being the eye ready for pot-culture. 



Inserting Vine-eyes. 



and fig. b the manner generally adopted when they are 

 intended for planting in the border for permanent Vines. 

 After the eyes are prepared as at fig. a, plant them in clean, 

 well-drained, four-inch pots, firmly filled with fresh turfy loam 

 and sand : rich or manured soil should be avoided, as it be- 

 comes sour or stagnant before root-action begins. Dibble the 

 cutting or eye into the centre of the pot with a little silver sand 

 around it, after which water well, and set the pots in a cool 

 house or pit for a week or two, to allow the eyes to " callus " 

 ere they are placed in heat. Cuttings (fig. b} for border 

 planting may be buried in a shallow layer of soil or in boxes, 

 and placed in a cool pit or vinery, where they will " callus ; " 



