142 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



edly be better to reduce the height for short-jointed 

 kinds, such as the Delaware. At the distance of seven 

 feet apart each way, it would require eight hundred and 

 eighty-eight vines to plant an acre. The simplest way 

 to lay out a lot with exactness is to divide a line into the 

 distances determined for planting the vines, and fasten a 

 bit of string at each point on the line. Apply the line on 

 one side of the lot, and drive stakes at each string; then 

 apply one end of the line at either of the end-stakes, draw 

 it at a right angle with the row of stakes, and again drive 

 stakes at each string. This gives two sides of a square ; 

 and in the same way the third and fourth sides may be 

 formed, and the exact spot for every stake may readily be 

 indicated by the strings on the line. On level ground, or 

 a smooth slope, the posts will range diagonally as well as 

 at right angles : they should also be sawed to a uniform 

 height for the sake of neatness of appearance. For the 

 spiral mode there is no trellis, no other support than 

 the post, with a few nails driven partly in at suitable inter- 

 vals on which to hang loops for supporting the vine. 



For the trellis system, I am inclined to think six feet 

 apart each way will be found to be a sufficient distance, 

 as an average rule. Such strong and rank growers as 

 Union Village, or Rogers No. 15, may need more width 



