r 64 MANUAL OF MODERN VITICULTURE. 



mode of reproduction being used with direct producers. But 

 this variation, which is a great obstacle when we desire to 

 preserve a good type, becomes a condition of success when 

 new types are to be created. Viticulturists select amongst 

 the new types produced in this way those which seem best 

 adapted to given soils and conditions, and multiply them 

 afterwards by the ordinary process of segmentation. 



If the variations are too frequent and too considerable in 

 seedlings to allow this method to be used for the production 

 of fruit, we may, however, by observing certain precautions, 

 avoid modifications of the root system special to each vine, 

 and upon which their resistance depends. We can therefore 

 utilize it to create graft-bearers for our European vines, 

 especially in districts not yet infected, where the introduction 

 of rootlings would be inadvisable. 



(A.) Choice of Cepages. With the object of obtaining new 

 types of direct producers, it is advisable to use cultivated 

 varieties having already some of the required characters, but 

 which do not possess such fixed characters as wild types, and 

 which consequently are able to furnish offspring preserving 

 the good qualities of their parents, and at the same time able 

 to acquire additional qualities. Unfortunately, the varieties 

 thus attained do not generally resist phylloxera well, as was 

 proved in the case of Saint-Sauveur, obtained from Jacquez 

 seedlings by Gaston Bazille, and the Herbemont of Aurelle 

 resulting from Herbemont Touzan seedlings. We may, by 

 crossing varieties offering qualities which we would like to 

 pee united in a single individual, try to obtain an interme- 

 diate variety, possessing them all. Crossings between V. 

 Vinifera and certain American species were tried, with the 

 object of obtaining direct producers, endowed with an abund- 

 ant production of grapes of good quality and sufficient 

 resistance to phylloxera. The V. Vinifera arid the V. Berlan- 

 dieri were also crossed, with the idea of obtaining graft- 

 bearers, thriving well in limestone soil. A great number of 

 hybrids obtained in this way will certainly resemble either 

 one or other of the parents, and lack in some qualities, but it 

 is not impossible (although very improbable) to, obtain an 

 individual possessing all the good qualities of both parents. 

 However, it was noticed that the prevailing characters were 

 always those of the male parent ; therefore in a crossing 

 between Vinifera and American vines the latter must always 

 be used as male, so as to diminish as little as possible the 



