312 ON THE PROPAGATION OF VINES. 



in the ground^ in a warm and sheltered situation, where they 

 can be protected with a little litter from the severity of frost 

 durmg winter. The best time for planting them is about 

 the 25th of March in this latitude, earlier or later if more 

 south or north : if intended to plant the cutting where the 

 plant is to remain, which is the most preferable method, 

 prepare them in the following manner : 



By cutting them into lengths of tree-buds each, and let- 

 ting the uppermost bud have an inch of blank wood re- 

 maining to protect it, the extremity of which must be cut in 

 a slanting manner, and the slanting side opposite to the buds, 

 to throw off the moisture : the end that is to be inserted in 

 the ground cut transversely just under the bud, and the cut- 

 ting will be complete : the cuttings being thus prepared, 

 plant them forthwith; if intended to remain, place two in 

 each space, inserting them in the ground so as the second 

 eye may be about half an inch under the soil, which must 

 be pressed close, when it will, most frequently, be found 

 that the eye thus placed will grow first and strongest, when 

 the upper eye can be displaced ; if both the cuttings grow, 

 cut off the weakest. During May, June, and July, care 

 must be taken to keep the cuttings constantly moist 3 soap- 

 suds or drainings of the dung-hill can be used for the pur- 

 pose once a-week, but not oftener, using rain or river water 

 for general waterings. If the soil should sink down, and 

 leave the buds higher than above mentioned, more must be 

 added to keep them as directed. To prevent the ground 

 from becoming hard by repeated waterings, and also to re- 

 tain a regular moisture about the cutting, cover the soil with 

 shells, litter, or any such substitute, which will greatly pro- 

 mote the vegetating powers of the scion. As soon as they 

 have made shoots six inches long, water may be more spar- 

 ingly applied, and the shoots must be carefully tied to some 

 support, and their tendrils and lateral shoots should be cut 

 off, the latter to within one eye of the main stem : about the 

 first of Xovember, cut every plant down to within two eyes 

 of the cutting. But if the plants are intended to be re- 

 moved, they should be planted in such a situation as to be 

 shaded from the mid-day sun ; from four to six hours a-day 

 of sun is quite sufficient. A spot sheltered from severe 

 winds is also most desirable. When transplanted, be careful 



