"256 INGRAFTING VINES. 



deemed unsuitable or of little value. It also is the means of 

 furnishing a prompt supply of exceedingly fine cuttings to be 

 used for that mode of culture. Another advantage offered 

 is, that the common wild vines of large size found in our woods 

 and hedges, can either by being ingrafted in their respective 

 positions, or by being transplanted into gardens for that pur- 

 pose, afford the means for a prompt and abundant supply of 

 fruit. Indeed the facilities offered by this process are such 

 that no vine of indifferent quality need hereafter to be de- 

 stroyed on that account, as it may be so readily converted to 

 one of the most choice description. The graft should in pre- 

 ference have sufficient of the two years old wood to form the 

 tongue which is inserted in the stock, with one or two joints 

 of the one year old wood to rise above the stock ; but when 

 shoots of the last year have formed vigorous and well ripened 

 wood, they will answer the purpose. I think two buds or 

 eyes quite sufficient for a graft, and in general, more advan- 

 tageous than a greater number ; but where the stock is of 

 extraordinary size, three buds may be allowed ; the best size 

 for a graft is that of an ordinary cutting, but where the stocks 

 are exceedingly large, I think it desirable that the grafts should 

 be larger than usual. The best stocks are such as are about 

 an inch in diameter, but those of all dimensions can be used for 

 the purpose. Dry weather is the most suitable for the opera- 

 tion, and the period generally selected for its performance in 

 this latitude, is from the first to the tenth of April, although it 

 has been effected successfully at a much later period, and in 

 some cases even after the vine was in full leaf, where the scions 

 were sufficiently retarded. In the southern states it should 

 take place early in March or even sooner in some parts. A 

 decided advantage is gained by its early execution, which is 

 equivalent to a gain in the length of the season, and therefore 

 allows time for greater growth. 



The most common method pursued is cleft grafting, which 

 does not essentially differ from ingrafting apple and other trees 

 on the same principle. The usual course is to lay the stock 

 bare, by clearing away four to six inches of the ground, or aa 



