378 Wisconsin state agricultural society . 
PLANTING. 
A good root is of the first importance as with all other plants; 
and in setting, the crown should be placed at least four inches be¬ 
low the level of the ground, for deep planting is requisite with our 
hot summer sun and dry atmosphere. 
Before planting the roots should be smoothly pruned, all 
bruised ends cut off, and if very long, they should be shortened 
several inches. This process greatly multipies the fibrous roots. 
In planting, spread out the roots evenly, letting them droop 
gradually from the crown ; then press the soil firmly on and 
around them. The vine should be grown on stakes until ready 
for bearing, as it makes its most vigorous growth of wood while 
growing upright. This will be more fully shown as we proceed. 
The stake should be firmly set before planting the root, lest in 
setting we break or bruise the roots, and if a good one, it will last 
until the trellis is required. 
The best culture should be given, as nothing short of this will 
yield the desired results. 
Much disappointment may be saved by the proper selection of 
a location. A low, damp spot where the air cannot circulate 
freely should be avoided, as sooner or later it will yield a larger 
harvest of blight and mildew, than ripened fruit, and the insects 
that infest the vine will revel in the home thus loeated. 
MULCHING. 
Do you ask me if I would mulch? Most assuredly yes—always 
and everything where you desire to retain moisture. Mulch 
grapes when first set, for the proteetion of the young surface roots 
which will be thrown out by the stock above the deep set crown; 
mulch every year until the roots strike deep and the foliage 
becomes sufficient to partially shade the ground; mulch after this, 
at least when there is no rain and the burning sun is evapor¬ 
ating the moisture from the surface soil, and reason tells you that 
roots near the surface are famishing for drink. At such times, 
mulch is the salvation for every tree and shrub, whether fruit 
or ornamental. And let me add, for grapes, the best mulch I 
have ever found in drought, is fresh mown grass, lightly covered 
with leached wood ashes. 
