CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 49 



precisely like vines coining from a propagating-house, we 

 will now go back to a description of this method. 



THE PKOPAGATTCG-HOUSE. 



As has been said, this is by far the most economical and 

 best method, and is the one in use by all extensive culti- 

 vators. In commercial gardens, the house is in constant 

 use throughout a considerable portion of the year, one 

 crop of cuttings succeeding to another. Hence the ex- 

 pense of a crop of thousands, occupying but a small 

 space, and less than a month of time, is comparatively 

 trifling. Under strict conditions, the experiment of strik- 

 ing can scarcely be called such, being reduced almost to a 

 certainty. Mischances will happen ; but, if they can be 

 avoided, well-selected grape-eyes are sure to root. The 

 following rules are given for the construction of a house : 

 Grade to a level a piece of land ten feet wide, and run- 

 ning north and south a distance sufficient for the length 

 of the house. Next plant durable posts on each side of 

 the lot, running north and south ; the posts being about 

 four feet apart in the lines, and the lines being nine feet 

 from centre to centre of the post. The posts are to be 

 cut to a level of one foot eight inches above the ground 



4 



