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REARING PLANTS FOR VINEYARDS. 



circumstances will be much more abundant. I therefore think 

 that if the rows are planted six feet asunder in the same man- 

 ner as the foreign sorts, the vines should be placed twelve feet 

 apart in the rows, so as to give space for training of at least 

 double the portion of wood allowed to the exotic kinds ; and 

 it is my opinion, drawn from their apparent natural character, 

 that the produce from each vine placed at such distance, will 

 be far greater than from two vines planted at half the dis- 

 tance. 



Distinctions must doubtless also be made between the 

 native varieties, as some among them grow with an exceeding 

 degree of vigour, and seem to render an extensive develope- 

 ment absolutely necessary to their success, while other kinds 

 are less prone to extend themselves than many of the Eu- 

 ropean varieties. These variations in character, and the 

 opinions of the most intelligent vine growers of our coun 

 try on points connected therewith, will be made the subject of 

 after comment. 



Rearing Plants for Vineyards. 



M, Antoine David, a celebrated French writer, most appro- 

 ved of the custom now prevalent, of forming nurseries of 

 vines, in order to have at all times a supply of rooted plants, 

 which having been reared in the vicinity of the spot where 

 they are destined to be permanently planted, evince by their 

 progress, whether they have met with that appropriateness of 

 soil (terrenum aptissimum) which is requisite for a speedy 

 and perfect developement. These nurseries furnish all the 

 plants required to replace such as have failed or may languish. 

 The plant has in this case the same age, and will allow of 

 forming provins if necessary. 



He also supports this practice by the observations of Colu- 

 mella, whom Olivier de Serres called his master and oracle. 

 In stiff soils, where scions meet with numerous obstacles to 

 their speedy establishment, rooted plants alone should be em- 

 ployed, as their success is certain, and if planted with proper 

 care, and attention to manuring, a vineyard may soon be form- 

 ed both durable and of abundant produce. 



