Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-03-23
Agrifnltnral
For the Reporter.
GRAPE CULTURE,

UhhIh u WILL Oh1'
As the time for procuring and planting
grape-vines will soon arrive, a few sugges-
tions on the subject may be acceptable to
some of the readers of the REPORTER. Sew
eral important questions must be settled by
every one who desires successfully to cul-
tivate this valuable fruit Grape-vines
have been common in all parts of our coun-
try for many years, but it is only shert
time since they have been cultivated so as
TO produce well ripened fruit No one can
imagine the difference in the fruit Of the
same vine neglected, and the same highly
cultivated, unless he has seen the expert
ment made. Then who ever contemplates
setting grape-vines tfAs spring with the
hope of perfecting good fruit, should re-
solve to make the necessary preparation OF
the soil. 1t will not do to dig small PIT
III an out of the way place, crOwding the
roots together with no chance to grow and
spread. The soil should be made mellow
and rich for two feet deep and four to six
feet wide. The roots of the grape run
deep and spread as far as the vine runs if
the soil is mellow. Dig deep, but set shall
low, is good rule; but if the land is nat
urally cold and wet, new land should be
prepared. This may be made by well rot
ted turf, decayed leaves, or any decomposed
matter. Whoever will make such pre-.
paration, though it cost him time and la,
hor, will be well compensated in the enjoy
ment of we'll ripened fruit.
What varieties of grape to cultivate is
often a difficult question to decide. 1t will
not be best to procure every kind offered
10y the nurseryman they often recommend
those highest, of which they have the most
to sell. If any one desires successfully to
cultivate a few of the best varieties, he
should consult some friend who has had eX-
perience if he has no such friend near
him he should endeavor to ascertain what
varieties are best suited to his soil and To-
cations. For upland the every earliest
should be procured Location is a very i'm
portant consideration it makes a very great
difference with the same variety. 4 south
ern exposure is very desirable OF absolutely
necessary for some kinds in this section of
the country The protection from the cold
north wind, by a building, hill OF trees, will
improve the fruit and hasten the ripening
very materially it will often make two
weeks difference in the time of ripening III
the same garden or yard
AS to varieties, Isabella is the standard
taking it all in all no variety gives more
general satisfaction. There are few OF
higher flavor, but none more productive as
a general thing \ cluster of well ripened
IsabelIas is acceptable to any one but
then they will not ripen III every SOIL Oh
every locality Much, however, may be
done by proper cultivation and protection
The Delaware stands at the head Of all
our native grapes for earliness and hardi
ness it is a small but Beautiful grape
rather slow Of growth at first, but from its
short jointed wood it produces fine crop
from its abundant clusters. 1t requires q
deep, rich and warm soil, and high cultiva
ton. 1t has been too high priced for gen
cral cultivation, but the time is not far
distant when it will bc common and abun
dant. The Delaware cannot be propagated
by cutting very successfully, but it grows
readily from layers The Concord is said
to be g the grape for the Millions" which
means that it is easily cultivated, an abun-
dant bearer, early and hardy. 1t may be
grown, and if properly cultivated, will per
feet its fruit in nearly every locality 1t
grows readily from cuttings, is cheap, grows
rapidly, and should be possessed by every
one.
The Diana is very desirable grape
where it can be ripened, is not so hardy as
the Concord or Delaware, but when well ri
pened is not inferior to the latter for flavor
or rroductiveness. It's cultivation should
not be attempted except in the most favor
able situations
There are other and newer varieties
which may be described hereafter The
writer of the notes on grape growing, is no
way connected with any nurseryman, but
desires the success of all in their Legitimate
business e.
Athens, March, 1868