314 



ERECTIONS, ETC. 



By eyes. This is our most favorite method of propagating 

 plants of this most valuable fruit. Early in the month of 

 March we cut the shoots into eyes^ leaving about an inch of 

 wood on each extremity, and plant those with their eyes up- 

 permost into pots, and place them in a hot or cold frame, 

 prepared for the purpose ; plants from a single eye may ea- 

 sily be made to grow twelve feet in one season, by constant 

 repotting and nourishing. The plants thus growing are de- 

 cidedly the best rooted, forming more capillary fibres ; con- 

 sequently more nutritious support to the vine is absorbed in 

 the same given period of time ; they also form shorter joints, 

 and are capable of producing more fruit on a plant of the 

 same size. We are aware that some start at this idea, and 

 say that in a few years it is not observed. It reminds us 

 very much of the son of the ^^Isle of the Ocean,^^ when 

 asked how old his brother was, replied he was so much, but 

 in two years he would be " the same age.''' Nevertheless, 

 this method of propagating may not be generally accessible, 

 the former two plans being at the command of every one. 



ON ERECTIONS FOR THE SUPPORT AND PROTECTION 

 OF THE VINE IN OUT-DOOR CULTURE. 



To limit the proper height for training grapes would be a 

 preposterous idea, for they can be perfectly cultivated in this 

 country on any height from four to forty feet : indeed, on a wall 

 of the former, we have thirty sorts of grapes growing luxu- 

 riantly, and fruiting in the most profuse manner. Some of 

 the vines, four years old, which have produced from six to 

 nine bunches of fine fruit, which only occupy, after pruning, 

 a space of about eighteen inches square. 



Walls of brick are decidedly the most preferable for the 

 perfection of the grape ] and if they be built for the express 

 purpose, the most judicious distribution of materials would 

 be m the erection of several low walls, not more than seven 

 feet high. For the purpose of pruning, training, &c., walls 

 of this height are far preferable to those of a greater; and if 

 built to run directly south or north, the entire surface of 

 both sides may be judiciously covered. The eastern aspect 

 would render a sure and abundant early crop; those on the 

 western side would not be so productive, and more liable to 



