53 



Fig. 38. 



or bud ; train up the new growth the following spring, the same as is represented by 

 the above bearing branches, and that year allow new shoots to grow out from the eyo 

 that was left 01. the previous season's bearing wood, and so alternate one year after 

 another. ' 



We do not claim that these are the best or the only plans for growing grapes, but 

 that they are simple and easily carried out, and that by them large crops of fruit can 

 be obtained yearly. Any party wishing for more extensive information as to grape 

 growing, by sending us $1.50 we will have them forwarded a grape book, with no 

 charge for our trouble, exeept to enclose two red stamps with the money. 



KEEPING GRAPES. 



There are many sorts, such as the Diana, Isabella, Clinton, &c, that are easily kept 

 through the winter. Our practice has generally been to take a tea chest, place a layer 

 of grapes in the bottom, over this spread a, newspaper, then another layer of grapes, 

 and another paper, and so alternate until the box is filled. Then set it away in a cool, 

 airy place, where the mercury will not run below 30° above. We have kept them 

 until February, in this way, by keeping the box in an upper room where a stove pipe 

 passed through, being careful when there was an extreme cold spell to set the boxes 

 near the pipe and cover them with blankets. 



Another method we have seen highly recommended is to put the grapes in a light 

 jar, and sealing them tight and putting them away in a dry cellar. 



Still another, is to have a large box and put in the bottom about six inches of saw- 

 dust or tan-bark. Pack the grapes as described above, in a box one foot less in size. 

 Place this box in the larger one on to the saw-dust or tan-bark, and around the sides 

 and over the top pack with the same material. Set this box away in the loft of the 

 barn and when extreme cold weather sets in cover it over well with hay. Grapes 

 have been kept in this way and taken out in April as fresh and plump as when packed 

 away. 



OVERCROPPING. 



A very common fault with many is to allow their vines to overbear— especially when 

 Yqudp. We always regard statements of large yields from single vines in the same 

 light that we do large, crops of. raspberries on young one year old plantations, as poor 

 management and culture, to bring weakness to the vine, and ultimately resulting in 

 half ripened fruit, mildew, or rot in fruit or leaf. All experienced grape growers ad- 

 mit that plantations receive more damage, from this too common practice than from 

 all others combined. We believe that the same laws that govern life and health in the 

 human family, as to over-exhaustion in the system, especially when young, bringing 

 about disease and weakness, are equally applicable to, the vegetable family. We there- 

 fore claim that all persons who are desirous of receiving the most and longest benefit 

 from their grape vines, must give this matter the proper attention. He must go over 

 his vineyard and examine the strength of each vine, allowing them to bear in propor- 

 tion as their strength will permit. When in blossom, thin out all overloaded vines. > 

 Do not allow them to bear the first year after setting over eight or ten bunches ; owing 

 to variety and strength of vine, and after they get fully grown not over ten to fifteen 



