HEARING VINES FfcOM CUTTINGS AND EYES. 245 



finest vines have been raised from short cuttings of only one 

 or two eyes, and itf seems to be rational that single eyes should 

 make the most perfect plants, as I look upon it as one of the 

 axioms in horticulture, that a young plant is the more perfect 

 in proportion as it is divested of any section of an old one. 

 The only advantage that appertains to long cuttings which I 

 can perceive, is that by extending to a greater distance in the 

 earth, they are more protected against the effects of drought 

 during the first season ; and in planting vineyards on declivities 

 they are less likely to be torn away by floods of rain, &c. 



Much stress is laid by some on the point of placing the cut- 

 tings in a sloping or oblique position in the earth ; but having 

 myself practised both this and the perpendicular position in 

 my plantations, I have never discovered any difference as to 

 their success. It is said that in some parts of Germany they 

 practice the following mode : Having formed cuttings of 

 three eyes each, they dig holes at suitable distances where the 

 vines are to be permanently located, and place two of these cut- 

 tings horizontally in each, and cover them with earth to the 

 depth of about one inch and a half. By this mode it is said 

 very few fail, and it being on the same principle as plant- 

 ing eyes, but with thrice the means for success, I doubt not 

 it is an excellent plan to pursue. The practice of raising vines 

 from single eyes or joints is now very prevalent. It is neces- 

 sary in preparing them to leave half an inch of wood, both 

 above and below the joint ; some persons leave an inch each 

 side, and others half an inch above, and two inches below the 

 joint. These are planted from one and a half to two inches 

 -below the surface with the bud uppermost, and their positions 

 may be marked by stakes to prevent their being disturbed. 

 Moderate waterings sufficient to keep the cuttings moist, but 

 not wet, are beneficial in case the season should prove dry. 

 I have understood that the following method has been prac- 

 ticed in South Carolina, with success : A piece of moist 

 ground having been selected, the eyes were prepared by cover- 

 ing the ends with a composition of beeswax and rosin, and 

 they were then placed ione inch below the surface, and covered 



