248 T11E NURSERY. [March. 



pruning their heads and observing to place their roots, after first 

 shortening any long stragglers, in a spreading manner in the earth, 

 and then cover them up as before. 



It is necessary that each particular kind of grape should be 

 planted in separate quarters, that they may all be gathered when 

 ripe without injuring others; for when planted in a mixed, confused 

 way, the going through the different' quarters to pull the fruit of a 

 vine here and there is very inconvenient, and often the later ripen- 

 ing intervening kinds are injured thereby. 



If your ground is intended to be cultivated, after planting, with 

 the plough, you must leave sufficient head lands for the horses to 

 turn in. 



In the course of this month, as soon after pruning as the ground 

 is dry and in good condition for tillage, plough and harrow between 

 the rows of your former plantations of vines, previously giving 

 such quarters as need it a dressing of well rotted manure; and dig, 

 or give a deep hoeing to such places as cannot be come at with the 

 plough. 



THE NURSERY. 



Grafting. 



It is too difficult a task to state the precise time of grafting the 

 various kinds of fruit and other trees, in the different climates and 

 states of the Union; but as I cannot do this with precision, and 

 must confine myself, in this article, to the periods most suitable for 

 performing that operation in the middle states, where I am best 

 acquainted with the seasons, I will give such hints as will lead to 

 a perfect knowledge of the true periods for grafting in every country 

 and every place. 



The best time for grafting, in the middle states, is generally 

 from the twentieth of March to the tenth of April, a few da^s 

 earlier or later, as vegetation may happen to be in an advanced or 

 retarded state, which sometimes makes a difference of ten or twelve 

 days. 



Grafting is always most successful when done at the period that 

 the buds of your stocks are swelled, so as to be nearly ready to 

 burst into leaf; this is the time in which the greatest success may 

 be expected, and should be very particularly attended to; however, 

 if done a few days before, or even when the stocks display several 

 expanded leaves, there may be a tolerably good hit, provided the 

 operation is judiciously perforated. 



Your scions or grafts must be taken off about a month or three 

 weeks before this crisis, or so soon as you are able to perceive 

 the least disposition in their buds to swell; for, if not cut off in pro- 



