94 



preparation for the emission of roots, which takes place immediately 

 after they are planted out. Cuttings may with perfect safety be left 

 for several months in this way, provided the soil contain neither a 

 deficiency nor an excess of moisture. 



Several means of facilitating the emission of roots have been sug- 

 gested, such as removing narrow strips of the outer bark before 

 planting; poundin them with a mallet, the bruises and splits thus 

 caused, although promoting the formation of roots, often act injuri- 

 ously by facilitating the penetration of too much water, which often 

 causes the young vine to partially rot. Twisting the lower extremity 

 has the same effect, and is less injurious. Soaking the cuttings in 

 running water promotes their striking, but it should not be continued 

 for too long a time, as it presents serious drawbacks if too prolonged. 



Several other methods have been also suggested, but they may be 

 said to be quite unnecessary for the V. Vinifera or European sorts, 

 which all strike with ease; they may give good results with some of 

 the American sorts. 



PROPAGATION BY LAYERS. 



Layering, although not a general operation for the production of 

 young vines, may be extremely useful for the propagation of such 

 sorts as do not strike easily from cuttings. Its principal utility, 

 however, is for the replacement of one vine by another or the filling 

 up of a vacant place with as little loss of time as possible. 



FIG. 17. 



Ordinary layering, as represented in Fig. 17, is so simple as to 

 require little description. A trench, varying in depth from 1 to 2 feet, 

 according to the climate,* is opened from the foot of the old vine to 

 the place which the new one is to occupy. A shoot of not more 



* The wanner the climate the deeper should the trench be. 



