46 REARING VINES PROM CUTTINGS AND EYES. 



with half an inch of fresh stable manure, water was next pour- 

 ed on to settle the earth around, and a covering of moss 

 spread over the surface to preserve moisture. The manner 

 of proceeding just detailed seems more particularly applicable 

 to the southern states, and to localities naturally dry and arid, 

 for in general, very moist soils are objectionable for nurseries 

 or plantations of the vine. Dr. Hillings has remarked to me, 

 that some varieties do not succeed from eyes equally well as 

 by other modes, and cites the Honey grape as an instance. 



In the states north of the Carolinas, the spring is the most 

 proper season for planting cuttings, on account of the frequent 

 extreme severity of the winters in many parts, which would 

 greatly injure or destroy them. Even a top covering as has 

 been suggested by some persons, would be insufficient in this 

 latitude, although it might suffice south of the Potowmac. 

 In the more southern states it is generally preferred to plant 

 them in November and December, although many defer it 

 till February and March, and even April, and succeed very 

 well in case their buds are not too far advanced. Berneaud 

 states, that a year or even two is deemed to be gained by fall 

 planting, and that it is said if half the slips are planted in the 

 fall, and the residue the following spring, that at the end of 

 five years, the former will have borne fruit three times, while 

 the latter will have borne equally well but once ; there can be 

 no doubt that the planting of cuttings in the fall, carries with 

 it the same proportionate advantages, as planting trees at the 

 same season, as it in like manner allows time for the ground to 

 become settled, and prepares the scions to push out their young 

 fibres at the first incitement of vegetation. The difference in 

 effect between planting trees in spring and autumn, is full two- 

 thirds of a season's growth, besides a great saving in the lives, 

 and my opinion is, that advantages fully equal are secured by 

 pursuing the same course in the planting of vines and scions. 



The season of pruning the vines is that at which it is most 

 convenient and advantageous to prepare the cuttings, and this 

 is performed either in the autumnal or winter months. But 

 should it be inconvenient to complete their preparation at that 



