CULTIVATION. 341 



in the spring, and the proper use of weeders and 

 cultivators during the growing season. The 

 plowing should not at any time be so deep as to 

 cut the large or primary roots. The small hairy 

 or fibrous roots near the surface may be plowed 

 at the end of the season without injury. 



It will give the reader a clearer idea of this 

 part of the subject if we repeat a part of what 

 has elsewhere been said. We have noted the 

 importance of having the primary roots pro- 

 ceed from the crown of the plant, and of having 

 the crown at a suitable distance beneath the 

 surface, according to the nature of the soil in 

 which it is planted. If another system of pri- 

 mary roots is allowed to establish itself above 

 the first, and take possession of the soil near 

 the surface, it will, by degrees, if left to it- 

 self, appropriate the chief part of the root 

 action, and to that extent ..weaken the lower 

 system, if not ultimately destroy it; besides, 

 cultivation is seriously interfered with, and 

 the vine made liable to suffer from drought. 

 Now, the young vine has a strong disposition to 

 emit primary roots from the stock very near the 

 surface. These, therefore, should be removed 

 when they first appear, and not left to attain 

 size. It is just here that a mistake is often 



