The Portland daily press., 1882-02-06

Grapes.


The vine comes quickly into bearing, yield
ing fruit usually the second year after plant
ing, requires but little space, and when
properly trained is an ornament to the yard,
garden or vineyard.
1t is stated by some of the most eminent
psychologists, that among all the fruits con-
ducive to regularity, health and vigor in the
human system, the grape ranks number one.
We hope soon to see the day when every
family shall have an abundant supply OF
this most excellent fruit for at least SIX
months of the year. -
While vineyards, if allowed, VIII some
times produce six tons to the acre, 1t is not
best. for the health of the vine and uniform
itv Of yearly crops, to suffer them to oVerbear.
Basinr our estimates upon a safe average,
and calling the market value of the new early
kinds as low as from six to ten cents per
pound, we have from six hundred to eight
hundred dollars per acre for the fruit.
From five hundred to six hundred vines can
be planted on an acre, eight to ten feet apart,
according as the kinds are comparatively
strong or moderate growers. We might
multiply instances had we room. Dis ap-
pointment only follows those who persist in
planting the old late ripening varieties.
Don't do it.
The conditions necessary to the successful
cultivation of the vine in the open air are,
first, to have the vineyard so located that 1t
may be thoroughly drained and have direct
sunshine at all times, especially in the morn
ing.
Avoid low-lying, hot or damp situations
and do not train against walls, or III places
where the air does not freely circulate. No
other preparation of the soil is necessary
than is ordinarily used for crops of corn or
grain.
Well rotted manure may be used to en-
courage the growth of young vines. When
handling a quantity of vines, first lay them
side by side in standing position in a
trench, then cover them with moist earth to
keep them fresh till planted. When taken
from the trench cut back each branch to
two eyes. Cut off vines as seen before it is
planted. Garry the vines from this to the
place of planting in wet sack or cloth OF
coarse material well saturated with water.
For vineyard culture plant ten feet be-
tween the rows, eight feet between the plants.
For garden culture plant six feet each way
dig holes two feet wide, two feet deep.
Throw in a little good surface earth, spread
out the roots and fine fbrous roots OF the
vine, and fill up the hole gradually with fine
surface earth, continually shaking the vine,
and drawing up with the hand every root
whose shoulder shows the earth, spreading
out all the roots in a horizontal position and
continually shaking the vine, that the earth
NAV settle among the smallest fibres and
roots.
Fill the hole completely, press the soil
around the plant with the foot, then cover
the surface to diameter of about three feet,
with mulch of manure, straw, chips or
shavings- that will hold moisture.
TO keep the roots always moist; keep this
mulch well broken and permeable during
the summer, hoeing it in, and renewing it
with fresh material when necessary
Do not allow any fresh manure to come
in direct contact with the vines of the
roots. The above description will apply to
all small fruits and shrubs. For fall plant
ing, cover the top of plants with one foot
of earth which remove in early spring as
soon as the frost is out of the ground.
To secure the best results, annual and
careful pruning is essential. The following
is mentioned as the best method: commenc-
ing with good, strong vine, permit 1t to
grow the first season without pruning. In
October or November 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. These, in the fall will be from
seven to ten feet long, and should be cut
back to within four or five feet of the root.
The next spring the vine should be fastened
to the lower part of the trellis. When grow
tn commences, pinch the buds so that the
shoots will be from ten to twelve inches
apart. AS these grow train them to the
second, third and fourth bars of the trellis
The best grapevine trellis is probably the
wire trellis. This is constructed by planting
posts as far apart as you choose to have the
length of your trellis; stretch the wires, foui
in number, about eighteen inches apart,
letting them pass through stakes at proper
distances from each other to support the
wire. AS the wires are contracted by cold,
and likely to break or sway the posts from
their places, they should be loosened as cold
weather approaches.
When, however, it is not convenient to
make wire or other trellis, very good
results are had with the old vineyard system
of training to stakes. The vines are planted
eight feet apart, in place exposed to the
sun, and are trained to an upright stake
The method is as simple as is the cultiva
ton of Indian corn. Often large and I'M
comedy rock may be converted to usefulness
and beauty by planting grape vine on its
sunny side, and making use of it as trellis.
-Dirigo Rural.