TREATMENT OF THE AMERICAN GRAPE-VINE. 



By Edward F. Underhill, Brocton, N.Y. 



The question of the proper method of planting, training, and pruning 

 the native grape-vine of America, is one of especial interest and importance 

 to a large class of our people who have invested their means in vineyards. 

 In the text-books on grape-culture, in the horticultural journals, and in the 

 remarks of grape-growers at their meetings for discussion, the subject is 

 discussed, and the most diverse opinions and views are expressed ; and, un- 

 able to arrive at a definite conclusion as to the merits of the different theo- 

 ries propounded, the practical grape-grower is compelled to grope blindly 

 in the dark until a tedious and often costly experience shall suggest to 

 him the proper course he shall pursue in the management of his vineyard. 



Before stating the results of personal observation on this subject, let me 

 briefly recur to the early history of vineyard-culture in America. Our first 

 experiments were with the foreign vine, and these signally failed ; and it 

 was only when the Isabella and Catawba were discovered and disseminated 

 that our people believed we had native grapes of sufficient merit to justify 



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