ON GRAFTING. 



163 



Secondly, in small Vineries, or Vine-frames, 

 where it would be inconvenient at least, if not im- 

 possible, in the common way, to have any con- 

 siderable variety of sorts, they may be procured 

 by grafting different kinds upon one and the same 

 plant. A Syrian Vine, now (1789) growing in 

 the hot-house at Welbeck, produces sixteen dif- 

 ferent sorts of grapes. 



But what I deem the most important advantage 

 is, the improving of the various kinds of grapes, and 

 particularly the small kinds, which generally make 

 weak wood. This may be done, as I have con- 

 stantly experienced, by grafting the weak and 

 delicate-growing Vines upon the stocks of those 

 that have more robust and vigorous stamina. 2 



The Syrian Vine is, of all others, the most 

 proper to be used for stocks to graft upon, and 

 plants raised from seed of this sort are greatly 

 preferable to plants raised either from layers or 

 cuttings. If the seed chance to degenerate to a 

 kind of wildness, the plants will still be the better 

 for stocks, because they will, on that account, rise 

 with greater vigour. b 



* The advantages to be gained by engrafting have appeared 

 conspicuous in many instances, particularly in the small blue 

 Frontinac, engrafted on the Syrian Vine at Welbeck, which has 

 constantly produced well-sized handsome bunches, with berries 

 almost as large as those of the black Hamburgh. 



b The trees, which of themselves advance in air, 

 Are barren kinds, but strongly built and fair: 

 Because the vigour of the native earth 

 Maintains the plant, and makes a manly birth, 

 M C Z 



