MANUAL OF MODERN VITICULTURE. 



CHAPTER IV. 



PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS. 



Propagation by cuttings is the oldest and most generally 

 used method of multiplication. It is considered by the 

 majority of viticulturists as superior to any other in practice, 

 and certain types of vines are rejected simply because they 

 do not root freely from cuttings. As a matter of fact, it is 

 very easy of execution and has the property, like any other 

 method of propagation by segmentation, of preserving the 

 characters of the type from which the cutting has been 

 taken, and even sometimes the characters of one single 

 branch which differs from other branches on the same 

 plant. The only differences which may arise between the 

 mother plant and the plant resulting from its cuttings are 

 produced by differences in soils and climates, and are 

 generally shown only by modifications in the development 

 and vigour, not altering the fundamental properties of the 

 original type, such as resistance to phylloxera, taste of 

 fruit, <fec. 



The facility with which all the V. Vinifera varieties grow 

 from cuttings contributed to the generalization of this method 

 in Europe. Since it has been applied to American vines, 

 certain forms have been found to strike with difficulty, but 

 vine-growers, far from discarding this method of multiplica- 

 tion when using American vines, have, on the contrary, 

 made a more complete study of the means of insuring its 

 success. 



The art of the viticulturist consists in promoting the 

 growth of roots on the fragments of cane used as cuttings 

 (after selecting the best cuttings capable of producing plants 

 of good quality) by placing these under special conditions. 

 We will study the following items with regard to this 

 method of multiplication : 1st, Choice of canes, care to be 

 taken for their preservation in transit ; 2nd, best type of 

 cuttings ; 3rd, means of promoting root growth ; 4th, 

 time of planting ; 5th, choice of soil (planting out or 

 nurseries). 



