402 



THE GRAPE. 



It will be observed that while these plants were forming 

 from the layered cane, one, two, or three shoots, according to 

 the strength of the plant, should be trained to a stake for next 

 season's work, the cane having been 

 properly cut back for this purpose. 

 Cuttings in Open Ground. — 

 This is the common method of 

 raising commercial grape-vines at 

 the present time. Much depends 

 on the character of the soil for 

 retaining moisture, and still more 

 on the humidity of the air, which 

 varies in different localities and 

 with seasons. A rich, moderate- 

 ly compact, deep, and mellow soil 

 is required. It is especially im- 

 portant that it possess fertility 

 in order to give the young plants 

 a strong impetus the moment 

 Shoots of one season's growth are 

 selected, of full medium size, omitting small or unripe por- 

 tions. Where the winters are severe, this wood should be 

 cut off late in autumn, shortened to convenient 

 lengths, and packed in slightly moist earth, or, what 

 is better, in damp moss, in boxes placed in a cellar. 

 Sometimes the cuttings are placed in a bed in 

 autumn, which answers well in mild climates, or 

 where they are well protected during winter, with 

 a thick layer of straw, manure, or leaves. 



The cuttings are 

 usually made about 

 seven or eight in- 

 ches long, and each 

 one should have 

 two or more buds. 

 It should be sev- 

 ered by a sharp 

 knife immediately 



Fig. S46.— Newly formed layer 

 plant. 



new roots are emitted. 



Fig. 547. 



Grape 



Cutting. 



Fig. 548.— Mode of Planting Cuttings. 



below the lower bud and about an inch above the upper one, 

 as shown in Fig. 547. A trench (Fig. 548} is made with a 



