The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1849-05-09
Agricultural.
From the American Agr;cuI,rri.,


From the American Agriculturist.
Projection OF GRAPE VINES A.
aAINsT ROSE BUGs.-THE cultivators of
tho grape, IN many parts of Long Island,
have often had their hopes blasted Of
enjoying this lucious fruit by the dcprc
dations Of the rose bug, q small yellow
beetle that appears in countless multi.
tu1es when the vine is in blossom and
tho berries are newly formed, for which
they have particular relish. TO such
an extent have these insects DESTROYED
the products of the vine, that manv
nave been induced to abandon all at-
tempts to cultivate this fruit. Having
Lecn a close observer of the habits of
this insect, I will offer plan by which
grapes have been grown secure from
their attacks.
In the first place, plant the vines od-
joining somo building, or close, high
fence, in place free from exposure to
cattle, taking care, of course, that the
ground 'ssaIliciently loose and rich by
the addition Of manure, wood.pile dirt,
or almost any decaycd animal or vecc
table matter. The first years growth
the vine should be cut down to about is
inches above the ground, and the second
years growth should be reduced to two
shoots trained horizontally, about two
feet above. Some time in the course
otthetsecond winter, prepare some strips
OF board, three inches wide, and Of q
length to suit the building, or fence
against which the vines arc to be train.
el. fasten them about three feet
anart; IN an upright position, to clcats,
nailed on in such manner a, will nj.
10" the vines to be about four inches
i..om the side Of said building or fence
Then take pieces of No. 10 wire, and
hasten the ends to screws inserted in
the outs'L. upright strips, at the dis
tance OF Is inches, one above the other.
Incsc oa;slde str ps should be secured
To the cleats: in order that the wires
may be drawn straight and tight over
the screws. The frame, or trells, being
thus fixed, leading shoot from the
hrTiz'ntNl vines, at the bottom of the
frame, should be trained pcrpendicul-
ar'.y to the top of each strip.
After the second year, the vines must
ne subjected to three prunings per an
nun. At the first, or winter pruning.
all tho side, or horizontal shoots. The
second pruning should be done as soon,
or before, as the bug makes its appear
ance IN the spring, when all the shoots
Should be cut off except two, to run
along the wires. each in opposite direc-
mons. - this means, all parts of the
vine will he fully exposed to the heat of
the sun, which seems to be offensive to
tho bags. At the third pruning, it will
on'y be requisite for joints beyond the
oais!ls buncl.cs Of grapes, which may
need thinning, ifa less number and a
better quality be preferred.
Wsstdsuy, Lony Island, 1s48.
FRUIT AT THE SoUTn.--"I have lust
planted out an orchard of 500 choice
apple and peach trees, and filled the
y - ''NN.'A 'hJ iIohsC Will DluQS anu
a.nricots, the first work have ever done
iii this line"
Thus writes a friend under date of
25th February last, from the centre of
South Carolina, and very glad are we
to hear II; for we have always contend
c" thata finer peach, apricot, and grape
country does not exist than is to be
found in the southern states. Certain
xmas OF apples, cherries, and plums do
wen there. The smaller fruits, such
as strawberries. raspberries, blackorri.
es, and currants also grow very finely
Gooseberres do not flourish so we'll ey.
cept in the mountainous regions. We
would be obliged if any of our southern
friends would inform us whether the
Whortieberry, (vacinium,) is found at
the south except among the mountains.
Ibid.