64 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



vent mildew ; but it is by no means a certain cure. Re- 

 move the sashes first, allowing the planks to remain for a 

 time as a protection. In the fall, the vines will require all 

 the air and sun in order to mature as much of the cane as 

 is possible. There is no difficulty in obtaining canes of 

 free-growing kinds as large as the usual size of lead-pen- 

 cils, with at least three feet of well-ripened wood, in a 

 single season. I have myself grown Allen's Hybrid, from 

 an eye started in March, thirty-six feet in one season by 

 actual measurement. Such excessive growth, however, is 

 not desirable. A few plump, well-hardened eyes, with a 

 good foundation of healthy roots, is all-sufficient. 



In November, the vines should be dug ; and, if any of 

 the wood of new kinds is wanted, it should be taken at 

 this time. Heel the vines in, in beds five feet wide, the 

 roots lying at an angle of forty-five degrees, the rows 

 across the bed being as close as possible without having 

 the roots come in contact. When the vines are all in, 

 cover the tops of the vines with earth taken a foot from 

 the sides of the bed. The bed will thus be raised above 

 the adjoining surface ; and a trench dug completely 

 around it will carry off the surface-water. Cover the 

 bed with boards or shutters to prevent the winter rains 

 from penetrating. It is a delight to find how fresh these 



