CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



71 



make an undesirable vine. It is true, the lower roots may 

 be cut away, as indicated 

 in fig. 14, at the line #, 

 thus securing a compact 

 and very satisfactory vine ; 

 but in doing this we sac- 

 rifice at least two-thirds 

 of the roots, the lower 

 roots being generally found 

 to be strongest. 



As the best method for 

 the open air, I would re- 

 commend that the cut- 

 tings be made in the fall 

 or early winter, of an av- 

 erage length of seven *'* 14 - 

 inches, and having at least two buds. Some varieties are 

 much more short-jointed than others, in which case there 

 will be three or more buds on this length. This is an en- 

 tirely immaterial point ; but, as a general rule, there will be 

 but two eyes. With the shears (fig. 4) cut at right angles 

 to the slope of the lower bud, and a quarter of an inch 

 belofw the base of the bud. Be careful that the cut is clean, 

 and made without bruising the bark. The upper cut 



