74 Transactions Tennessee Academy of Science 



along the ravines, running brooks, creeks, and rivers. In this very 

 small group of large wild grapes, consisting of about eight varie- 

 ties, only a few of them have worked their way into cultivation and 

 propagation. In all probability, a few of these vines may be 

 found growing and fruiting in farmable sections a bit farther north 

 than 36°, particularly near the North Carolina border. But it may 

 be safely said that the best region for growing the muscadine grape 

 is in the cotton belt of the United States. 



These grapes are quite round, all with very tough skins, yet have 

 a very fine flavor and one that is liked by all. 



Since the most of the muscadines have a very tough skin, they are 

 not attacked by many insect pests. Neither do the birds bother them. 

 The vines are fast growers, very hardy, usually of a tough growth, 

 and are practically free from disease. The vines in a wild state in 

 Tennessee have stood a freeze at least 10° below zero. They are 

 easily grown, but thrive best in moist, sandy soil. Along rivers and 

 other running streams, in a wild state they are found growing to 

 perfection. In the month of September thousands of fine, rich, 

 black muscadine grapes may be seen continually floating down the 

 streams. The vines like to ramble, and climb trees sometimes a hun- 

 dred feet in height. So many trees inclined over running water 

 have been infested by thrifty muscadine vines that hundreds of 

 bushels of muscadine grapes are carried away each year by run- 

 ning water. In the valleys, on the hillsides, and on the mountain 

 tops along the creek banks, the muscadines revel in vigorous growth, 

 producing crops every year. The lateness of blooming is responsi- 

 ble for the regular crops of fruit. 



Inasmuch as the muscadine is so easily transplanted, I hope that 

 I may be pardoned for taking up the time to give a little informa- 

 tion as to how it may be done. 



They may be propagated by cuttings or layers. The latter method 

 is by far the better plan. By the former method, cuttings should 

 be made a foot long and placed in the ground at an angle of about 

 45°, with about half of the cutting above the ground. This should 

 be done in the latter part of October, or during the month of No- 

 vember. But, where only a small number of vines are 

 wanted, the layering is the best method of propagation. In the 

 early spring, select a good cane of the previous season's growth and 

 lay it down into a trench about 5 inches deep and 2 feet long. Pack 

 the soil tightly about the vine, for about 2 inches, then fill with 



