118 THE GRAPE CULTFRIST. 



reason why the vines should be cut off quite short when 

 planted, as it makes the lower buds more sure to push. 

 After the one bud or shoot has been selected, the old stem 

 above it may be cut off to within two inches of the young 

 shoot. As the young cane grows, keep it tied to the stake, 

 but do not tie it so tightly as to interfere with its ex- 

 pansion as it grows. Keep the laterals stopped according 

 to the directions already given. Stir the soil about the 

 plants, the oftener the better, and keep down all weeds. 



Bass is an excellent material for tying the vines, as it is 

 not liable to injure the tender shoots ; besides, it usually 

 costs less than common twine. 



When any particular vine, or a number of them, do not 

 grow as rapidly as desired, they should receive some extra 

 stimulant, either liquid manure from the barnyard, or a 

 solution of some of the concentrated manures in water, 

 giving enough to completely saturate the soil to their roots. 

 When it is not convenient to apply stimulants in a liquid 

 form, a barrow load of compost may be spread upon the 

 surface about the vine. We should endeavor to produce 

 a uniform growth, so that all the vines in each row, at least, 

 shall be as nearly of the same size as possible. 



The vines, at the end of the first season, will usually be 

 large enough to be pruned for training, but many of the 

 more feeble growing varieties will require another year, 

 and they should be cut back in the fall or winter to two or 

 three buds, only one of which should be allowed to grow, 

 as in the first year. 



Layering is another method of assisting feeble growing 

 varieties, and it may always be practiced with the best 

 results. The operation is performed the same as that for 

 layering grafted vines, described on page 70. The most 

 feeble growers will generally make a strong growth the 

 season after they are layered, and while such a practice is 

 very beneficial to the feeble growing varieties, it is entirely 

 unnecessary with the more vigorous vines, as they will 



