The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1886-03-16
The Culture OF the Grape.
WALHALLA, S. c., Feb. 10, 1856.

WALHALLA, S. c., Feb. 10, 1856.
Editor Of tie News "nd Courier:
Thirty years ago but little attention was
paid to this subject, futhcr than the planting
of a few vines in the yard or cultivnt;nc on
the small scale in the vineyard. There was
nothing really substantial tn encourage this
great enterprise previous to 1876. However,
we are on the right track now and in IA fair
asserted, namely: THAT South, Carolina
is yet to be the winc-producIng State of the
South"
The increasing interest taken in Crane
growing is especially noticeable to all lovers of
this noble fruite. Ihave advocated the pIont-
for them No fruit bearing plant yields
more readily and bears more ill-trcatmcnt
than the grape. Almost everybody who has
Il yard or Il farm thinks Of grape vines, and
yet everybody understands how to grow
grapes, if we believe the many metaphysical
conversations that often take place. This is
4 work of constantly increasing Importance.
My experience with grapes extends through
many years, and has been mainly that of an
amateur. AS | have been requested to write
on this subject, l consider it a duty as well as
n pleasure to answer through the columns of
the NeWs and Courier.
The selection of n proper place for the Vine
yard is one of the main conditions of success.
Grapes can be grown almost anywhere, but
paving result will only be reached in the best
locations. There is no advantage i'm follow
ing the advice Of those who often persist in
adopting a hill side slope. Many think it
situation for n vineyard. | believe that the
dry atmosphere of uplands is conducive TO
the health of the vine. Keeping this in view,
our highlands where the vines are exposed to
the winds, is our best location. The begin
ner, however, may choose the spot on
his land which seems bes. adapted to his pur-
pose.
Everything should be done at the start to
insure good growth the first few years, for n
stunted vine seldom RECEIVERS, and even when
it does, much valuable time has; been lost
which cannot be rcgaincd. In preparing the
soil for planting care shonld be taken to have
it in rs fine condition as it is possible to make
it. For this purpose it is desirable to have
the land intended for the vineyard put in corn
the season before the vines are set out. The
distance at which the vines may be planted is
left entirely with the planter, but in the
South, where land is cheap and plentiful, we
can afford to plant ten by ten feet. This is
the most convenient distance for cultivating,
and gives space enou b for the horse and
plough and will allow free circulation Of air,
the first step to success.
In choosing the vines for planting the ncxt
question is Shall we plant one or two-vcar
old plants? My experience in grape culture
has taught me that good strong one-ycar-old
vines are the best, but those of two years are
not objectionable, see that the wood is well
ripnned and the roots healthy. The proper
time for planting in this State is from Janu-
airy to April. 1t is sometimes Inconvenience to
plant at that time, in which case the vine,
may be planted in the fall after frost. Dig q
hole twelve by Twelve inches and from eight
to ten iOches deep spread out the roots, and
fill with well pulvcriZed earth, adding shovel
of COW manure. ALI this should be done
when the ground is in good working or
der.
Although our State is said to be the "l,ome
OF the grape" it by no means follows that we
may pant with impunity in any situation.
notwithstanding that some ~varitics grow even
in swamp lands, and produce fine frui. when
left to ramble AMONG the branches of trees,
If we would try the same culture for wine
purposes, it would be nothing but n miserable
failure, on account of deficiency in quality
SITUATION should by all means be avoid
ed.
What varieties to plant, is undoubtedly, q
difficult n after to decide, but from the ex-
perience ] have gained the following varieties
are worthy of consideration. l will give a
brief description Of the v%arities cultivated in
my fathers vineyard, which may serve
somewhat to guide the planter in q selec-
ton.
Wider fine grape, bunch and berry
very large, r,pens a few days earlier than
Ives--A poor grape for market, but a good
grape for wine, BUNCH large, berry small,
color black,
Niagar.-Ala large white grape Of good
quality. ! saw the garpe in New York last
summer and was very much pleased. This
variety is worthy OF. an extensive trial.
PTentiss-This lis without a,doubt a fine
market grape, bunch and berry medium.
haxe 9 few vines Of 1t in bearing, in
Msssasoit- An early grape:of excellent NAL
ity, bunch medium, berry large. 1t is con-
one of the. best in cultivation,
rtpens q week before the Concord, color pale
rcd.
Martha--This was considered until lately
the best white grape in cultivation, but now It.
Is superseded by better sorts. Bunch and
berry medium.
ldndisy--eBonch large, berry about the size
Of Martha; mn abundant bearer color palo
Gaethet1ThisI consider the best and most
reliablSssQE the Roger Varieties. Bahct me-
linn bcfryJarge. It resembles the Malaga
very mich It's color is pale rod when
''c oSa saps 1Sis .ys4is Enc moss s4sii.bls
aEd hrod1dti3 e md hos been more q snsfs q