48 VULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



lar, the light soil being so dry as readily to pass through 

 a coarse sieve. Owing to the liability to an excess of 

 moisture, and in order that they may readily be changed 

 if necessary, it is best to plant the cuttings in six-inch 

 pots. These are filled with pure, sharp, clean sand, and 

 the cuttings inserted at an angle of forty-five degrees. 

 The top of the eye should be just visible on the surface 

 of the sand after pressing down and watering. Planted 

 at equal distances, a pot six inches in diameter measur- 

 ing from inside to inside at the top will hold from 

 twenty to thirty cuttings, varying according to the size 

 of the wood. When prepared in the cellar, the pots are 

 brought out, and plunged in the bed to a level with the 

 rim. Admit air freely in mild weather, keeping the earth 

 warm, but the air ten to twenty degrees lower, in order 

 to induce root-action at once. The most desirable heat 

 for the pots is from seventy to eighty degrees. If the 

 sun's rays are very fierce, give a partial shade as well 

 as ventilation, and prevent the atmosphere from rising 

 above a temperature of eighty degrees. It would be bet- 

 ter to keep it twenty degrees lower, if possible. Secure a 

 good foundation of roots, and " make haste slowly." If 

 the cuttings have been well managed, they will be well 

 rooted, and the shoots well started, within a month from 

 the time of potting them. As they are to be managed 



