812 OX THE PROPAGATION OP VINES. 
in the ground, in a warm and sheltered situation, where they 
can be protected with a little litter from the severity of frost 
during 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 ; 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 November, 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 
