254 INGRAFTING VINES. 



vineyards where they originated. For the purpose of hybrid- 

 izing, the varieties of Vitis astivalis should be selected in pre- 

 ference to those of Vitis labrusca, on account of the much 

 higher vinous properties of the former ; and there cannot ex- 

 ist a doubt but that we may readily produce well acclimated 

 hybrids between the native and foreign varieties, without the 

 trouble of continuing the course of reproduction for many 

 generations, although such reproduction from species so dis- 

 similar may continue to present additional modifications of 

 character. 



Some French proprietors who are willing to incur present 

 disbursements, and to await a considerable period for the re- 

 turns, plant whole vineyards of seedlings, which form "durable 

 vines, and when raised from seeds of valuable sorts yield crops 

 of good quality. I have understood that Mr. Overdoff of P'enn- 

 sylvania, has a very flourishing vineyard formed of seedling 

 plants, which were first reared in his garden, and after the first 

 year, transplanted into his vineyard. 



Ingrafting Vines. 



The vine differs from other trees in having no liber or in- 

 ner bark, nor cortical coverings, and it consequently may be 

 ingrafted without its being requisite to bring the two barks in 

 contact, as the sap ascends by the different capillary vessels 

 without any distinction between liber, cortex, or wood, whilst 

 the sap of other trees is exclusively conducted between the 

 wood and the bark. Cleft-grafting is the method generally pur- 

 sued in France ; and in some districts of the departments of 

 Gironde, Bouches-du-Rhone, Cote-d'or, and L'Yonne, this 

 method of propagation is much practised and esteemed, but 

 some object to inserting white varieties on red ones. The 

 process of ingrafting the vine is by no means a novel one, 

 having been long since in use as stated by Columella, and 

 other ancient authors who give ^details on the subject. 



It is not considered by French writers as of much impor- 

 tance, but I think in our own country, it offers far more bene- 

 ficial results than in any other, from the well known circum- 



