116 THE GRAPE CULTURIST. 



or by long drouths in summer. The depth to which roots 

 should be covered depends somewhat upon circumstances. 

 In light soils they should be covered deeper than upon 

 heavy, because the air has a more ready access to a porous 

 soil than it has in one that is tenacious ; and while it is 

 necessary that air should reach the roots, it is not judicious 

 to allow it to penetrate too freely, because roots require a 

 partially confined atmosphere, and not one that has any 

 apparent circulation. There is one class of cultivators who 

 advocate deep planting, and they place the roots from 

 twelve to twenty-four inches deep ; another class follow 

 the other extreme, and but little more than cover the roots 

 with earth, and then depend upon mulching for the requi- 

 site protection ; and although both of these extremists offer 

 many plausible arguments in support of their different the- 

 ories, yet a middle course, I am confident, is the safest and 

 best. 



HOW TO PLANT. 



When a number of vines are to be planted, it is best to 

 dig the holes before the vines are taken into the field, and 

 when they are taken from the place where they have been 

 heeled-in, their roots should be kept in a box or basket 

 filled with damp moss, or protected in some such manner 

 from the air and sun. The vines should also be pruned 

 before they are taken into the field. Prune the roots, as 

 has already been directed, and cut off the stem to about 

 eighteen inches. The holes to receive the vines should be 

 dug in a circular form, and from six to ten inches deep upon 

 the outside, and four to six inches in the center ; then set 

 a good strong stake in the center of the hole, for unless the 

 stake is placed in position before the vine is planted, there 

 is great danger of injuring some of the roots of the vine in 

 driving it down by its side after it is in position. Now 

 set the vine in the center of the hole close by the stake, 

 spread out the roots in every direction, and throw on a lit- 



