How to Use the Seeds.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 244, 14 October 1880, Page 4

How to Use the Seeds.

For the purpose of producing seedlings for grafting stock, I presume there can be no material difference in the value of these seeds. All of them are from a district uncontaminated by a possible hybridization, except such as may have happened naturally among the wild vines in the stato of nature. The vines from which they were gathered exhibit remarkable fecundity., as well as luxuriance of growth. Some cover trees from 50 to 75 feet high, and produce at lenst 150 pounds of fruife each. It is to be expected that when these vines aro cultivated, and properly pruned, Ihe fruit will improve. The seeds m«y easily be germinated m light sandy lo : tm, or any soil which would he suitable for nursery purposes. .In order toobtain the complete valueof perfect roots, the best method no doubt would bo to start tho feeds in boxes, or under L'lass.'in February cr March, in the same manner that tomato plants are raised ; then, as soon ea the vigorous .young plants can be determined, which 'would bo within two months, to transplant them carefully into the vineyards where they are to remain. In this way the roots may be suffered to grow undisturbed, and" the plants may be erafte-1 in place the next spring. In case some have failed to grow, their places may be filled with seedlings one year old from the nursery, and grafted at the same time. The ft ild Grape as a Wine Grape. I think there can bs no doubt of the value of our native wild-vine for grafting stock, and for this purpose 1 do not hesitate to recommend its general use, either by cuttings or seedlings. But the experiments made for me by Mr. Mattier during the past grape season have convinced me, as well as others who are experts, that the crowning virtuo of this vine is its value for making claret wines. 1 should not hesitate, if I had a vineyard to plant in any of our northern or central counties, to cultivate this vine for the sake of its fruit. I believe it will supply the greatest desideratum in out wine-mak-ing, and ia destined in the future fco make the clarets of thia State famous. It produces tannin and tartiateot potash, has no strikiug aroma, is sufficiently neutral, and has no disagreeable taste whatever.