154 
ON GRAFTING. 
procured by grafting different kinds upon one and the fame 
plant. A Syrian Vine, now (1789) growing in tlie Hot-houfe 
at Welbeck, produces fixteeti different forts of grapes. 
But what I deem the moft important advantage is, the im- 
proving the various kinds of grapes, and particularly the fmali 
kinds, which generally make weak wood. This may be done, 
as I have conflantly experienced, by grafting the weak and 
delicate-growing Vines upon the flocks of thofe that have more 
robufl and vigorous (lamina*. 
The Syrian Vine is, of all others, the mod proper to be 
ufed for flocks to graft upon, and plants raifed from feed of 
this fort, are greatly preferable to plants raifed either from 
layers or cuttings. If the feed chance to degenerate to a kind 
of wildnefs, the plants will dill be the better for docks, be- 
caufe they will, on that account, rife with greater vigour \ 
It 
^ The advantages to be gained by engrafting, have appeared confpicuous in 
many inftances, particularly in the fmali blue Frontinac, engrafted on the Syrian 
Vine at Welbeck, which has conftantly produced v/ell-fized handfome bunches, 
with berries almoft as large as thofe of the black Hamburgh. 
The trees, which of themfelves advance in air, 
Are barren kinds, but ftrongly built and fair : 
Becaufe the vigour of the native earth 
Maintains the plant, and makes a manly birth. 
Yet thefe, receiving grafts of other kind. 
Or thence tranfplanted, change their favage mind : ; 
Their wildnefs lofe, and quitting nature’s part. 
Obey the rules and difcipline of art. 
ViRG. 
