86 THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



tice in as clear and plain a light as I am able, I hope I 

 shall be excused the repetitions, almost unavoidable, on 

 such a subject. It will be found in plain language and 

 plain practice, (pirated from no one,) from which I have 

 had great success. I am aware that, in presenting these 

 hints to the public, I expose myself either to the smile 

 or the frown of the critic ; whether he be lenient or se- 

 vere, I must bear with patience the part allotted me, 

 and only hope this work may be useful ts. some of m.y 

 readers." 



This is the plan as practised by Mr. Koberts ; the rest 

 of the book consists of the author's views upon the dif- 

 ferent systems of pruning, thinning, and of propagating 

 the vine, with remarks upon the border as formerly made. 

 A description of several kinds of grapes, for early forc- 

 ing and other purposes, is added, and his own system 

 praised and recommended as superior to any other. 



Hemarhs relating to Mr. Moberts's System. — From 

 what experience I have had in fruiting the vine, it is my 

 opinion that the plant is weakened and permanently in- 

 jured'by allowing it to bear fruit thus early. To show 

 how this can be done, however, is one of Mr. Roberts's 

 objects in writing his book ; there is no difficulty, where 

 the border has been properly prepared,, in fruiting vines 

 the second season after planting ; but is it advisable so 

 to do ? My own plan is not to fruit them till the third, 

 and this, and the following years, suffering but a moder- 

 ate number of bunches to remain on the vine; by this 

 plan, and by judicious thinning of the berries, the plant 

 will be gaining strength yearly, and, if capable of pro- 

 ducing more fruit than the limited crop you have left to 



