Culture of the Grape in Cities. 169 



lowest bar, or course, as it is called; and the other to occupy the second: 

 allot the two outer vines to the third and fourth courses respectively. 

 Each vine should be grown, the second season from planting, with a single 

 cane or standard, until it has reached a height equal to the distance 

 obliquely from its roots to the grape-hook, by which it is to be fastened to 

 the trellis : at that point let it he pinched, and caused to produce two canes 

 for the arms, as above suggested. 



The trellis should be placed eighteen inches from the fence, — thirty 

 inches space would be preferable, — so as to insure ample ventilation for 

 the vines in hot, moist weather, and prevent mildew of leaf and fruit. A 

 good coat of whitewash applied to the fence in March or April, before the 

 bursting of the buds, would add, by reflection of the solar rays, several 

 degrees of heat to the temperature through the season. 



Perhaps I should fortify my position in respect to the close planting of 

 the vines. Pruned as the tops will be, the roots require less space than in 

 the old untrimmed state; and, though placed in such juxtaposition, they 

 may, and probably will, run nearly across the yard, and obtain all the 

 space they need. And if most of the yard be paved, so much the better. 

 A brick or stone pavement keeps the ground in a damp, warm condition, 

 admirably adapted to the requirements of the vine. But attention should 

 be given to the soil; and, if one desires to possess vines which shall 

 ripen abundant crops for many successive years, he should remove the 

 ground to the depth of two feet, and width of five or more, and substitute 

 a soil composed principally of fence-corner or old-field sods, with a little 

 thoroughly-rotted manure, some plaster and cellar-dirt, and a liberal 

 sprinkling of bone-dust, all well incorporated. After planting the vines 

 in this unfailing soil, the entire border, excepting a small space around each 

 vine, may very profitably be paved over, and used as if no roots were 

 beneath. 



Another inquiry let me anticipate : " Will the vines consent to remain 

 within the restricted limit of two feet perpendicular space ? " At first 

 they will not, and the pinching-in process is requisite. When the young 

 fruiting-shoots have advanced three leaves, or joints, beyond the highest 

 bunch of grapes indicated upon them, their terminal buds should be 



VOL. I. 23 



