The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-02-03
For the Democratic -4drocdte.
Grape Culture in Western Maryland.

MEsSRS. EDITORS Grape culture is not
new thing, yet | regard it as in its infancy in
this country. 1t has made a more rapid ad-
vance in California than in any of the other
states; it has, however, been practlced much
longer there. Climate and soil are better
adapted to its growth and yield.
Yet is it not strange that this branch of do
nestle industry has been neglected to such an
extent in this locality? With the adaptability
of soil and climate to some of our domestic
varieties, together with the present market
facilities, it can be, beyond the peradventure
of doubt, made profitable. These hillsides
Especially those with southern and eastern
exposure) that are now uncultivated can be,
at a trifing expense, made equally as profta-
BILE to their owners as the valleys they shadow.
We cultivate no small fruit that is greater
luxury. While they are palatable they are
harmless. Scientific men concur generally IN
the opinion that the grape, as brain food, has
no equal among the fruits now cultivated. In
Germany there are grape cure establish
ments now in successful operation, and they
are growing in popular favor.
Great attention should be paid to the prep
aration of soil and planting. The soil should
be stirred to the depth of Is or 20 inches.
The bottom and top soils should be well
mixed, and an underdrain, composed OF such
rubbish as you may have at hand, in the form
of brickbats, bones, old shoes, oyster shells,
&C., will be found of great value to the vines
in after years. If it is grown from a cutting,
plant a little deeper when transplanted from
the pot to the open ground. Press the ground
firmly around them, using with it a little ''raw
bone" You can, with an axe, pulverize the
old bones you may find on your premises.
The next important step to be taken IS prun-
ing. Keep the vine well cut back for two
years after planting, and the first year OF
fruiting let but two or three punches remain
on the vines; remove the rest as soon as form
ed AS the vine progresses prune in Novem-
Der or last of February. If in November cut
back to two buds; if in February one bud. 1t
is always the new wood that fruits. garden
or yard fence can be made a trells, and can
be made by care both useful and ornamental.
The best varieties, think, for this climate,
are Concord Hartford Prolific, Rogers No.
4. Wilder, No. Indy, Catawba and Della
ware. The Concord is a sure crop, and the
flavor is good. 1t can be grown, | am told,
as a good wine grape. The Delaware is one
of the best favored we have. When young
they do not always give satisfaction, but In
variably improve as they grow old. The others
named are all good. Hartford Prolific is the
earliest we have, and is, as its name indicates,
prolific. There are some two thousand va
rieties of grapes cultivated in Europe; | think
that is but few compared with those cultivated
in this country. / have heard about four
hundred and thirty varieties named of the
latter.
Get good vines, plant properly, prune care
fully, fertilize with bone, use sulphur freely at
the roots and on the vine, and depend upon it
grape culture will be success. Be careful
not to buy high priced vines that are peddled
around. Inquire of a good honest nursery
man for two or three year old vines to begin
with. know several gentlemen who will not
deceive you in the varieties, nor ask you a
fancy price. Plant them in April.
J. T. r. Carrollton Station, Md.