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PLANTING OF CUTTINGS IN THE VINEYARD. 



The depth at which cuttings should be planted is determined by 

 their length. This has already been discussed in the previous chapter 

 (p. 90). They should be planted at such a depth that two eyes 

 alone are left above ground ; one only is necessary, but it is 

 better to have " two strings to one's bow," and if two shoots develop 

 themselves they will each grow less vigorously than if either existed 

 alone, and consequently be less liable to be broken by strong winds. 

 The lower of these eyes should be level with, or half an inch or so 

 below, the surface of the ground. 



The time for planting depends to some extent upon the climate; 

 the warmer this is the earlier ought vines to be planted. 



In the great majority of cases our Victorian vignerons plant their 

 vines far earlier than is necessary or even beneficial. Cuttings properly 

 stratified, as directed in the previous chapter, need not be planted o 

 until the buds are on the point of bursting, as at this moment they 

 will find the soil in the best condition for the continuation of their 

 growth. In a warm climate this will, of course, take place sooner 

 than in a cold one; and if drought is to be feared they should be 

 planted out as soon as the terminal buds show a tendency to swell. 



The commencement of September is the most favorable time for 

 planting in the third region, whilst the beginning of October would 

 not be too late in the first. In many parts of France stratified cuttings 

 are not planted out until the parent vines have already come into 

 leaf ; it has been observed that the percentage of strikes is increased 

 by such a course. 



Inclination of cuttings. In many parts of France it is cus- 

 tomary to bend portion of the base of the cutting at right angles with 

 the remainder in the hole in which it is planted, or to plant it 

 slanting, sometimes so much so that it only makes a very small angle 

 with the surface, 



Except in a very cold climate, where it is desired to weaken the 

 vine in order to facilitate the ripening of the grapes or where the 

 roots must be kept near the surface to ensure their receiving sufficient 

 heat, no advantage is to be derived from such a practice. As we 

 have already seen, the shorter the cutting the better the resulting 

 vine. Cuttings are only increased in length in order that the base 

 may be situated in deep, moist soil. It is evident that the same 



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