126 



MANUAL OF MODERN VITICULTURE. 



The arrangement in quincunx (Fig. 106) is that in which 

 the plants occupy in groups of three the angles of an equi- 

 lateral triangle, and in groups of four those of a lozenge ; 

 further, it allows cross ploughing in three directions, the 

 replacing of " misses " with the layers of six neighbouring- 

 plants, and finally the planting of a greater number of vines 

 for a given surface, while giving equal space for their develop- 

 ment. Therefore, it increases the yield per acre. 



The only disadvantage of this system is that the surface 

 of the soil is quickly covered with the canes of the vines, 

 especially of those of spreading habit, preventing the use of 

 teams and ploughs. 



To sum up, when vines of an erect habit are planted 

 quincunx or squares should be adopted ; when, on the con- 

 trary, the vines are of a spreading habit one must ascertain 



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Fig. 105. 

 'Arrangement of vines in squares. 





Fig. 106. 

 Arrangement of vines in quincunx. 



if a sufficient number of hands are available to allow the 

 vineyard to be worked by hand in summer, and if the 

 increased cost of this operation will not absorb the benefit 

 of the increased production. 



(B) Distance apart. This question need only be con- 

 sidered in the case of direct producers. In the case of 

 graft bearers the conditions remaining similar to those of 

 old plantations, the distance apart should be the same as 

 that proved by experience to have given the best results 

 with European varieties. 



(C) Marking out the land. The position of each vine is 

 marked on the land by the intersection of two lines made 

 with strings or traced on the soil with a special implement. 



