170 THE GRAPE. 
ase organized beings, containing fluid matter, and inteudea 
to convey most of the nutriment upward to the whole 
siperstructure : and if their tender cells become shrivelled, 
they are not capable of again performing their offices with 
f e 
ema 
inactive for a length of time, or die immediately. If the 
top languishes, a weak start is the consequence, with per- 
haps the loss of a whole season. 
Tf the trellis be accepted, the rows may be six feet 
apart, and the plants four feet asunder; but, in the ordi. 
nary way of staking, five feet each way will be the nearest 
possible distance. In putting down the roots, dig a hole 
six inches deep, and wide enough for them to be spread 
out all around ; cover carefully with well puiverized soil ; 
cut off the head to two or three good eyes; and, when the 
vines begin to start, mulch over, so far as the roots extend, 
with rotted barn-yard manure; or, if that cannot be had, 
then with any vegetable refuse, that is free from seeds, 
that may be at hand. 
When the shoots begin to elongate somewhat, it will be 
seen which is going to be the strongest, and all the others 
may be rubbed off. As this continues to grow, tie it up tu 
the stake or trellis, pinch out the laterals (the small side- 
shoots which grow at the base of each leaf) to one eye, a8 
they are produced, and rub off all superfluous suckers or 
branches. Nothing further will be required than to keep 
the ground free from weeds, by hoeing, or the plough, 
