4C THE GRAPE CULTUEIST. 



The propagator should always decide as to the value 

 of a particular mode of operation by the results. The 

 object is to make good vines, and it matters little how it 

 is done, provided the point is gained. Some growers 

 will produce good healthy vines from both green and 

 ripe wood, while others fail with either. Therefore, the 

 best method is that which produces the best vines ; but 

 this point cannot always be decided by the size or appear- 

 ance of the vines, for the reason that a general inherent 

 feebleness is often hidden while the plants are undergo- 

 ing an unnatural forcing process. My own experience 

 has led me to think that the surest way to produce vines 

 of the best enduring qualities, is to use none but the 

 most fully developed wood ; remembering, however, that 

 developed does not mean an overgrown, forced produc- 

 tion, either under glass or in the open air. 



CHAPTER V. 



PROPAGATING HOUSE. 



Propagating hardy vines under glass for general 

 vineyard purposes is now seldom practiced ; at least, not 

 to the extent that it was a few years ago, and the greater 

 part of those used are raised in the open ground, as 

 described in a succeeding chapter. But in instances 

 where it may be necessary to rapidly multiply new or 

 very rare varieties, a well-arranged propagating house will 

 be found very convenient and useful, and for this reason 

 I repeat in part what I said on this subject in the earlier 

 edition of this work. It is not expected, however, that 

 every one will have the means at command, nor would it 

 always be expedient, if they had, to go to the expense of 

 building an extensive propagating house, unless it were 



