12 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



DIRECTIONS FOR PLANTING CUTTINGS IN A NURSERY. 



When pruned from the vines, the cuttings should be tied 

 in bundles of 100 or 200, and placed in a cool cellar, until 

 the ground is prepared for planting. 



Dig a trench, in spaded ground, about a foot deep, slanting 

 to the surface, the length of the cuttings. Place the cuttings 

 5 or 6 inches apart, the top eye just above ground. Cover 

 the lower joints with good rich mould, and fill up with the 

 earth thrown from the trench. Keep them clear of weeds in 

 the summer, and in dry weather water occasionally. 



TREATMENT OF THE YOUNG VINEYARD. 



The first year, keep the ground clean and free from weeds, 

 with the hoe ; many use the plow, as being more expe- 

 ditious and economical, but the more careful vine-dressers 

 who can afford it, never cultivate with the plow, using only 

 the two-pronged German hoe, made especially for the 

 purpose. 



The earth should be stirred around the young vines, two 

 or three times during the season, to promote their growth ; 

 superfluous shoots must be pulled off, leaving but one or two 

 to grow, at first, and but one eventually. 



In the spring, cut the young vine down to a single eye, or 

 bud ; at first, if two are left for greater safety, take off one, 

 afterward ; drive a stake six or seven feet long firmly to each 

 plant. Locust or cedar is preferred, but oak or black walnut, 

 charred at the end, driven into the earth, or coated with coal 

 tar, will, it is said, last nearly as long. Keep the young vine 

 tied neatly to the stake with rye or wheat straw pick off all 

 suckers, and let but one stalk or cane grow. The vineyard 

 must be kept clean of weeds, and the young vines hoed as 

 before. 



The second spring after planting, cut down to two or three 

 eyes, or joints, and the third year to four or five ; pinching 

 off laterals, tieing up, and hoeing the vines as recommended 



