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A. B. Hood 6 Co.’s Descriptive Catalogue 
Select Grapes 
The vine conies (luicklv into iiearing, yiekling fruit visually the third year after 
planting, but sometimes in the second ; requires but little space, and when properly 
trained is an ornament to the yard, garden or vineyard. . , . 
It is stated by some of the most eminent physiologists that among all the tru ts 
conducive to regularity, health and vigor in the human system the (.rape ranks 
number one. We hope soon to see the day when every family shall have an abun 
dant supply of this e.xcellent fruit for at least si.x months in the year. 
The s6il for the (irape should be dry, when not naturally so should be thor- 
oughly drained. It should be deeply worked and well manured, always bearing in 
mind that it is an essential point to secure a warm, sunny e.xposure. , , , , 
The best ('.rape-vine trellis is probably the wire trellis. 1 his is cimstructed b\ 
planting posts as far apart as you choose to have the length ol your trellis stretch 
the wires, four in number, about eighteen inches apart, letting them pass through 
stakes at proiier distances from each other to support the wire. As the vyires are 
contracted by the cold, and are likely to break or sway the posts from their places, 
they should be loosened as cold weather approaches. W hen, however, it is not con- 
venient to make a wire or other trellis, very good results are had with the old vine- 
yard system of training to stakes. The vines are planted b feet apart, in a place 
exposed to the sun and protected from cold winds, if convenient and a^ trained loan 
upright stake. This method is as simple as the cultivation of Indian Corn. Often a 
large and uncomely rock may be converted to usefulness and beauty by planting a 
Orape-vine on its siinny side, and making use of the rock as a trellis. 
To secure the best results, annual and careful pruning is essential. 1 he tollow- 
ing is regarded as the best method : Commencing with a good, strong vine, such as 
we furnish, permit it to grow the first season without pruning^ In November or 
December following cut back the growth, allowing but three or four buds to remain. 
The following spring allow but two of the strongest buds to throw out shoots. I hese 
in the fall, will be from 7 to 10 feet long, and should be cut back to within 4 or 5 feet 
of the root. The next spring the vine should be fastened to the lower part of the 
trellis When growth commences, pinch the buds off, so that the shoots will be from 
10 to 12 inches apart. As these grow, train them perpendicular to the second, thud 
and fourth bars of the trellis. No fruit should be allowed to set above the second 
^LdngThe^season when the shoots have reached the iipiier part of the trellis tlie>- 
may be pinched, to prevent further growth. After the fruit is gathered and the vine 
has shed its foliage, the cane should then be cut back to two buds. 1 he follou ing 
sorim. allow but one bud to throw out a shoot, and treat as in the previous year. I his 
system of priming should be followed each year. After the vine has undergone the 
fall pruning it may be laid upon the ground and covered vvith boughs, to piotect it 
through the winter, ('.rape-vines should be toji-dressed in the spring. 
('.rapes may be kept through the winter, and even all the year, in small boxes 
holding three to five pounds, if placed in a cool, dry roorn, of even temperature, or 
they may be spread out to dry for two days and then laid in market baskets, and 
susoended in a cool, drvccUnr. vf • • vt 
Few things pay better than a good vineyard. In 1879 the \ irginia Nuiseiy 
planted one and one-quarter acres of Concords. In 18S1 these vines bore a fair crop, 
which increased each vear until, in 1S84, the sales from the one and one-qiiarter .acres, 
at the low price of three cents per pound, gave a net prolit ot f.ioo. \\e could give 
other similar instances which show the enormous profit in ( .rape-growing. 
The following list contains the best known sorts ot the hardy American varieties . 
Agawam. (Rogers’ No. 15.1 liunch 
large and compact ; berries large, dark 
red ; flesh tender, juicy and rich ; one of 
the best of Rogers’ Hvbrids. 
Brighton. Hunch large, rather irregu- 
lar ; berries above medium, round, dark 
red ; ciiiality best. Ripens early. 
Campbell’s Early. \’ine strong, vigorous 
and very productive ; clusters large and 
jierfect ; berries large, black, vvith a per- 
fect bloom; skin thin; an admirable 
keeper and shipper ; flavor rich, sweet, 
slightly vinous. In dessert quality it is 
unrivaled. Karly .September. 
•• III regard l<> vour mirserv stock. I must sav that it is very fine. Every one of my customers Rive it 
Rreat ‘S' "T'hey°^y your stock is l-Rer and better Rrown,^ 
mlier .nirsorvman's tliA 'have ever seen. Mv customers say tliey never expect to purcliase of .anyother 
,n rter, h thev can cet vo^^^^ trees 1 am pro'utl to say I have been with you fourteen years, and hope it 
r/v he so l‘'ca':. c^ili with W. S. Folkv, Ml. Storm. W. Va..,/«/y rX, , 90 ,. 
