334 METHOD OF CULTIVATION 



eight feet from each other. Afterwards cross these at right 

 angles, five feet asunder. In the opening at the intersection 

 of these furrows, plant the cuttings or vines. Of cuttings, if 

 they are short-jointed, I think from nine to twelve inches in 

 length is sufficient, observing that the upper eye or bud is firm 

 and good. Then place them in the ground (at the intersections 

 as above) such a depth that the upper eye is even with the ge- 

 neral surface of the surrounding earth, and draw the earth to 

 them till it is level, pressing it lightly with the foot. If the 

 plough has not made an opening the full depth, the cutting can 

 be forced down with the hand. In case rooted plants are to 

 be set out, if they are not large, the opening at the intersec- 

 tion will be found to be nearly or quite sufficient to receive 

 them, when the earth can be drawn in as before. In this way 

 a large number can be planted in a short time, and at a trifling 

 expense. 



" Contrary to the common opinion and practice, I think I have 

 satisfactorily ascertained that late spring planting for cuttings 

 is attended with more success than any other time. Last year 

 I planted in nursery beds, from two to three thousand cuttings 

 as late as from the middle of April to the middle of May, 

 with better success than at any previous time. In this case, 

 the slips should be kept in a cool damp place, a cellar or Ice- 

 house, where vegetation may be held in check. To ensure 

 their freshness, sprinkle them occasionally with water. Pre- 

 vious to planting, cut them a proper length, and place them 

 with their lower ends three or four inches in water, in a tub 

 above ground, where they may soak three or four days. At 

 this season, the temperature will be likely to be such as will 

 spur vegetation at once into healthy and vigorous action. In 

 the fall, or early in the spring is preferable for rooted plants. 

 In the autumn of the first year, after the frost has killed the 

 unripe part of the young shoots, they should be pruned down 

 to the mature firm wood, and then with a hoe hilled over with 

 the surrounding soil, which will completely protect them through 

 the winter. If left without protection the first winter, many 

 of them will perish. 



