30 CULTIVATION 



vine, are given by Mr. Buchanan in his able work 

 on grape culture. " When a vineyard is planted in 

 the spring v^ith cuttings, the next spring cut the 

 young vine down to a single eye or bud, and drive 

 a. stake six or seven feet long, firmly to each plant. 

 Locust or cedar is preferred, but oak or black walnut 

 charred on the end or coated with coal tar, will last 

 nearly as long. Keep the young vine tied neatly 

 to the stake with straw — pick off all suckers, and 

 let but one stalk grow. The second spring cut 

 down to two or three eyes or joints, and the third 

 spring, to four or five. The third year the vines 

 will produce a few grapes. Train two canes to the 

 stalk, this year, take off laterals and keep well hoed. 

 Pruning can be done during anytime from the fall- 

 ing of the leaves until March, or until the sap 

 begins to flow." Although Mr. Buchanan and some 

 others practice spring pruning, I have generally 

 pruned my own vines in the fall after the leaves 

 have dropped, or in the early part of winter, and 

 have succeeded well in every instance. I see no 

 reason why the root should be required to support 

 life in all the branches throusfh the winter* and then 

 be summarily shorn of them in the spring. 



Mr. B. says, " The fourth year, pruning requires 

 good judgment, as the standard stem or stock has 

 to be established. Select the best shoot of last 

 year, and cut it down to six or eight joints, and 

 fasten it to the adjoining stake in a horizontal 

 position, or bend it over in the form of a bow, and 

 tie it down to its own stake. This is the bearing 



