50 AMERICAN GRAPE CULTURE. 



that time it may be planted in the manner first 

 directed. As for buying the vine the first 

 year well, we would rather be excused. 



We have cautioned the reader against put- 

 ting manure in contact with the roots, and it 

 will do no harm to repeat the caution. After 

 the roots have been covered with two or three 

 inches of soil, all the manure necessary may be 

 added to the top. A finely prepared compost 

 may in this way be added with good results^ 

 but care must be taken not to use stimulants 

 too freely. We want a good healthy growth, 

 commensurate with the vigor of the vine ; but 

 beyond this, what is called a " great growth " 

 is generally an evil, for the wood is made soft, 

 fails to ripen thoroughly, and is, in conse- 

 quence, often winter-killed ; besides, there are 

 other and serious evils attending the too free 

 use of gross manures. 



Time to Plant. In regard to the best time to 

 plant, vineyardists are not all agreed, some fa- 

 voring the spring, and others, and perhaps 

 much the largest number, the fall. In some 

 northern localities spring planting may have 

 predominating advantages ; but, as a, general 

 rule, we prefer to plant in the fall, and cover 

 the vines. If done early, the roots have 



