138 



is made, which only weakens the resulting vine to an insignificant 

 extent. 



In France whole nurseries of cuttings are sometimes planted out 

 already grafted, the cuttings striking and the graft taking simul- 

 taneously. Although a convenient process as it may be executed 

 during wet weather in a shed or other sheltered place on an average 

 only about 25 per cent, of these grafted cuttings strike; and, even 

 to obtain these, great care must be taken, frequent waterings and 

 weeding being necessary. 



The best time for grafting is in early spring, just when the sap has 

 started to rise with vigour and the first leaves have come out. This 

 time varies according to the climate, but, as a rule, may be said to be 

 about the month of October. In the drier parts of the colony it will 

 be well to graft somewhat earlier, to avoid the desiccation of the scion, 

 which might otherwise ensue. In the cooler parts it will be better to 

 postpone the operation for a couple of weeks, to avoid the risk of 

 decay through excessive moisture. 



As a rule, it is best to graft a late on an early variety, as the rise 

 of sap of the former causes the union between the two to effect itself 

 before any leaves have made their appearance. The vessels of the 

 stem are given time to prepare themselves for the supply of the sap 

 rendered necessary by the transpiration of the leaves. 



As this is not always possible, and it may even be necessary to 

 graft an early on a late sort, it is advisable to stratify the cuttings 

 intended to be used as scions in the same way as ordinary cuttings 

 until the time for grafting has arrived. 



It will be superfluous to insist that scions should always be chosen 

 with as much, if not more, care than ordinary cuttings. The same 

 rules are to be observed in the selection of each. 



During the summer following the operation care should be taken 

 to remove any suckers growing from the stock, or, if grafting on 

 phylloxera-resistant stocks, any roots growing from the base of the 

 scion. 



The value of different stocks is a subject upon which much has 

 been said, and opinions vary greatly. The following extract from 

 the " Cour Complet de Viticulture," the valuable work of Foex, the 

 director of the Agricultural College of Montpellier (France), will 

 throw some light upon the question. He says: " All the American 



