Grape- Culture. 'jy 



The selection of varieties to plant is a matter of more difficulty, and, 

 in the present state of our knowledge and experience, may be regarded as 

 the " vexed question " in grape-culture. Upon this subject I must confine 

 myself to general remarks in the present paper ; intending hereafter, in 

 giving the results of my experience and observation upon the various popu- 

 lar grapes now prominently before the public, to present my views of their 

 adaptability to different localities and situations. 



First in importance is the selection of kinds whose period of perfect 

 maturity is within the limits of the growing season. Late-ripening varie- 

 ties in localities subject to severe frost early in the fall would be of no 

 value. So also, in situations where late spring frosts prevail, those varieties 

 which start into growth verj' early in the season should be avoided. Har- 

 diness against severe winter-freezing is also an important requisite, but, 

 happily, not an imperative one. Fall-pruning, and laying the vines upon 

 the ground, giving a slight covering of earth, enable quite tender varieties 

 to endure the severest winters uninjured ; and I believe there is no work 

 done in the vineyard which yields a more profitable return than this, even 

 with varieties reputed as hardy. 



Another question of importance is. What kinds of plants are best ? 

 Much has been said upon this subject ; and various are the opinions enter- 

 tained and expressed as to the relative value of plants produced from 

 single eyes, cuttings, or layers. Much importance is also attached to the 

 questions, whether they have been grown under glass, or in the open air. 

 Good plants can be, and are, produced by all these methods ; and a plant 

 is neither necessarily good nor bad because raised in either way. The 

 natural habit or constitution of a vine is not changed by its mode of propa- 

 gation. A tender variety cannot be made hardy by growing it in open air, 

 nor can a hardy variety be made tender by being propagated under glass. 

 If a plant be well grown, with abundant, healthy roots, and a proportionate, 

 well-ripened cane, I care not how it is produced, but recognize it as good, 

 and feel assured, that, with careful planting and proper culture, it will yield 

 a certain and generous reward. 



The principal objections to single-eye plants arise from the fact, that, as 

 they are usually grown under glass, they are crowded, and not allowed 

 sufficient room for perfect and healthy development, and are two small for 

 ordinary vineyard-culture. 



