66 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



and healthy plants. To secure this end, let the stock- 

 vines be potted in December in a rich soil, and started 

 very gradually. About the middle of February, the first 

 crop of cuttings will be ready. These are taken off 

 precisely like the soft cuttings 

 of the rose or verbena. The 

 appearance of the cutting when 

 prepared is seen in fig. 11, the 

 lower end being cut just below 

 an eye. This is not essential, 

 Fig u as roots are developed at any 



part of the stem. A plant can be obtained from every 

 eye, if carefully managed ; though it is certain that roots 

 form with more readiness just under an eye. The parent 

 vine should never be denuded of foliage. By being ju- 

 diciously cut back, it will break again, and, without sus- 

 taining injury, will give several more cuttings before 

 April 1. After this time they should not be used, 

 unless grown in pots, and matured in the fall by artificial 

 heat. 



These cuttings are put in the propagating-bed, directly 

 over the boiler, the warmest part, in a temperature of 

 eighty to ninety degrees. In order to secure this, and also 

 closeness, bell-glasses, or a sash, should be used. Guard 



