Inclement Weather, Diseases, Etc. 253 



recommends, for the same purpose, a sort of capstan, 

 formed by a wooden axle on two cart-wheels. A rope 

 is fastened to the head of the plant, and is then wound 

 round the capstan, and the plant is pulled up, with all 

 its roots. The work, by this means, costs one-half less 

 than if done by hand. 



[We have had little experience in tearing up old vineyards, 

 and preparing them for replanting with grape-vines, and there- 

 fore can not cite the best practice ; but, upon general principles, 

 it may be said that the vines could as well be grubbed up, the 

 ground plowed in the autumn, and exposed to a winter fallow, 

 to be followed with green crops, such as corn or potatoes, 

 well manured, and then allowed to lie in clover for a year or 

 two before breaking up again, preparatory to replanting with 

 the grape. Most of. us would prefer taking a new piece of 

 ground.] 



XIIL 



INCLEMENT WEATHER, DISEASES, HURT- 

 FUL INSECTS. 



A 



VINEYARD situated on soil, and in a climate 

 adapted to the vine, and properly attended to, would 

 certainly be one of the most productive kinds of farm- 

 ing, if a full crop could be obtained from it every year. 

 Unfortunately, the same uncertainty attends the pro- 

 duce of the vine as that of other cultivated plants : 

 inclement weather, diseases, and the presence of hurt- 

 ful insects, but too often diminish its quantity, alter its 

 quality, or sometimes destroy it altogether. Let us, 



