114 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



of ripe wood, in all respects as good as could be de- 

 sired. 



Fall and spring planting have each their advocates. It 

 is claimed, and I think with truth, that a vine planted in 

 early October, if in a warm and dry soil, will, in some 

 degree, establish itself in its new locality in the fall, so as 

 to start more vigorously in the spring than if newly 

 planted. Under favorable circumstances, fall-planted vines 

 certainly make more growth the ensuing season than if 

 planted in the spring. On the other hand, there is risk 

 that fall vines may be injured by the winter. There may 

 also be an advantage in leaving a field implanted, in order 

 to give it another ploughing and loosening after the 

 winter freezing. Certainly there is some extra labor in 

 protecting and uncovering fall-planted vines. These rea- 

 sons are to be weighed. I should advise fall-planting as 

 preferable, when the ground is in readiness, and the soil 

 is light and dry, and if it is a more leisure time for the 

 planter to do the work in the fall than in the spring. 



In planting, the following rules are to be observed : 

 Examine the roots, cutting away any fine threads that 

 will be likely to dry and perish ; shorten any of the long 

 cords of roots extending beyond two or three feet, accord- 

 ing to the size of the vine; and see that all bruised ends 



