The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1886-02-25

Thirty years ago very little attention
was paid to the subject, further than the
planting of a few vines in the yard or
cultivating on small scale in the vine
yard. There was nothing really substan-
tial to encourage this great enterprise
previous to 1876. However, we are on
the right track now aud in fair way to
realize what has been previously asserted,
namely: "That South Carolina is yet
to be the wine.producing State of the
South"
The evidently increased interest taken
in growing is especially noticeable
and gratifying to all lovers of this noble
fruit. have advocated the planting of
grape vines wherever there is place for
them. No fruitbearing plant yields more
readily and bears more i'll Treatment than
the grape. Almost everybody who has
yard or farm thinks Of grape vine
and yet everybody understands how to
grow grapes, if we believe the. many
metaphysical conversations that often
take place. This is g work of constantly
enlarging importance. My experience
with grapes extends through many years,
and has been mainly that of an amateur.
AS l have been requested to write on this
subject, I consider it a duty as we'll as a
pleasure to answer through the columns
of the Ne,cs and Courier.
The selection of proper location for
the vineyard is one of the main con-
ditions of success. Grapes can be grown
almost anywhere, but paying results will
only be reached in the best locations.
There is no advantage in following the
advice of those who often persist in
adopting south slope. Many think it
absolutely necessary to choose hillside
situation for vineyard. I believe that
the dry atmosphere Of the uplands is
conducive to the health of the vine.
Keeping this in view, our high lands
where the vines are exposed to the winds
is our best location. The beginner,
however, may choose the spot on his
land which seems best adapted to his
purpose.
Everything should be done at the start
to insure good growth the first few
years, for stunted vine seldom recovers
and, even when it does, much valuable
time has been lost which cannot be re-
gained. In preparing the soil for plant
ing care should be taken to have it in as
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
arc 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 enough fur the horse and
plough and will allow free circulation OF
air, the first step TO success.
In choosing vines for planting the
next question is: Shall We plant Que or
two-year old plants? My experience in
grape culture has taught me that good
strong one year nid vines are the best,
but those of two years are not objection
able; see tina: the wnnd is well ripencd
and the roots healthy. Tie proper time
for planting in this State i, from Januar.
to April. 1t is sometimes inconvcuiant
to plant at that time, in which case the
vines may be plan'"d j" The fall after
frost. Dig hole twelve by twelve
inches and from cigh! To 'cn inchc. lccp;
spread out the roots, ard fiji with we'll
earth, adding shovel Of COW
manure. Ali this should be done when
the ground is in good working order.