The West Virginia Hand-Book and Immigrant's Guide (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1870. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... other rampant'growers, I would suggest that they be planted at least sixteen feet apart in the rows, and twelve feet between the rows, and in what is called the quincunx manner. That is, plant the first row as above, then in the second row, instead of setting the vines directly opposite to those in the first row, plant them just half-way between. In the third row plant the vines directly opposite those in the first row. In the fourth row plant the vines directly opposite those in the second row and so on, after the following diagram: The o represents the vines and the x the posts. 2nd. Train the vines on wires, or lath are better, in the fan shape, or any other that will spread the most X3anes oyer the greatest surface, so that there will be little interference, and the light and heat of the sun will reach every leaf. Let the posts be seven feet above the ground and have from three to five wires. 3rd. Do not manure heavily with stimulating manures. 4th. Do very little summer pruning, and do that before the first of July. 6th. Thin the fruit by removing at least one-third of the bunches, provided the vine has set its full complement--i. e. an average of three bunches to the bud or eye, as soon as possible after the berries are formed. stote: --Since the above was written, my attention lias been called to an article in Tilton's Journal of Horticulture, for November written by E.F.TJnderhill, of Brocton, N. Y., in which he takes substantially the same position as that advocated in this paper. His facts coincide with my observation in this vicinity." The writer of the above cultivates the grape only for table use, and for that purpose 16 feet may not be too large a space for each vine. Where good wine is the object, however, 8 feet will be found sufficient, upon the ...