275 
THE AMATEUR’S KITCHEN GARDEN. 
a portion of the lateral growth, when the vines start into 
growth in the spring. As a rule, the laterals should be about 
nine inches apart on each side of the rod, and a bunch of fruit 
left to every alternate lateral. After the bunches are formed, 
the laterals should be shortened back, and all sub-laterals re- 
moved as fast as they make their appearance, to afford the 
fruit the fullest exposure to the beneficial influence of the sun. 
The bunches will require thinning lightly when the berries 
are of the size of very small peas, to enable them to attain 
their full size, which it is impossible for them to do when they 
are left unthinned, as is usually done in the case of vines in 
the open. But when grapes are grown for wine making solely 
there is no occasion for thinning. 
Propagating Vines raised from eyes are the best for out- 
door, as they are for indoor planting, but cuttings afford the 
readiest means of raising a stock, and, with ordinary care, 
strike very freely. Some time in November select moderately 
short-jointed and medium-sized shoots, that are well matured ; 
fasten them together, in a bundle, and insert them tempo- 
rarily in the border, and protect from severe frost. Early in 
March cut them into lengths of three or four joints each ; re- 
move the two lowest buds, and plant them firmly in well- 
prepared soil in the open border, deep enough for the bud 
mearest the top to be just above the surface. With a little 
attention in watering, and keeping clear of weeds, the larger 
portion will be nicely rooted by the autumn, and be in good 
condition for planting, or they may be transplanted and 
planted out in their permanent quarters the following autumn. 
In propagating vines by layers, it is simply necessary to select 
a well-ripened shoot, and after cutting it half way through, in 
a slanting direction, on the side that will be lowest when it is 
pegged down in the soil, and then fastening them just below 
the surface. This should be done some time during October 
or March, and a small piece of potsherd placed in the wound, 
to prevent its closing. One bud only should be allowed 
LAYERING THE GRAPE VINE. 
