THE WISCONSIN FARMER.                                               63



The other sorts are better known, having
been longer before the public. Concord has
been fruited for some time, and though not
quite up to the standard, is nevertheless an
excellent grape; will bear much moisture and
yield very good crops. The vine is remarka-
bly vigorous, hardy and very productive; fruit
large and showy, always commanding its share
of attention in market; ripens early, and is
not damaged by remaining for some time after
on the vines.
  Diana is a splendid grape, not so hardy or
early as the former, nor so productive. Have
heard of its rotting in some localities, but with
care and judicious pruning yields a full aver-
age crop.
  Hartford Prolific is very early and promises
to be very desirable in northern localities.
Hardy, vigorous grower, and should be plant-
ed much more than is.
  All vines have now become so cheap and
abundant that none need fail of planting the
best of all; but a due preparation and care of
the vines is absolutely necessary to ensure even
ordinary success. No hap-hazard, half-way
doing it will answer, only with those who will
be faint-hearted and shortly discouraged, and
willing to eat -sour grapes" till their teeth
are set on edge.
  We know parties who are now negociating
for 6000 vines ,to start a vinyard with next
spring," and "bound to have them chrap,"
whose grounds are yet in wheat stubble, never
having received more than a slight skimming
with the plow. To plant largely with such
preparations will be folly, with the chances
largely in the planter's favor of a so cheap'
affair all through, and disappointment in the
end.
   In traveling about the country we observe
 many vines yet uncovered, and, of course, ex-
 posed to an the changes which a Wisconsin
 winter always brings.  If the vines are no,
 killed, they are severely damaged by such at
 exposure, and the coming crop much diminish
 ed. Improve the first warm days, bend dowt
 the vines, cover with a litter if earth canno
 be moved. Soil is preferable, but no certaint,



of using it in the winter season. Prune su-
perfluous wood from unburied vines, pack in
sand or moist sawdust, keep till spring, then
plant. It will do you no harm to raise a few
extra vines for yourself or to give to your
neighbor 'who has a taste for the same, but not
the wherewith to purchase.
   Fork over your stable manure this month for
the first time, and if twice the better. GIve it
an opportunity to heat and destroy all foul
weed seeds. A heavy coating around currant
and gooseberry bushes, not forgetting the rasp-
berries, will be found very beneficial. Apply
it as soor after spring opens as possible. A
light coating of manure well mixed with ashes
and refuse lime can also be given to the straw:
berry bed with good advantage, but this must
be prepare l by several turnings and be fine,
else it will smother the plants, or unkilled
weed seed will rule the day.
   Prune currants, cutting out all superfluous
 old wood, with a proper regard to fruit-bearing
 and new growth. Save the cuttings, (the new
 growth is only of use now,) many of your
 neighbors "haven't a currant bush in the
 world," and 'won't have till some generous
 neighbor gives them the cuttings, or, better
 yet, the bushes.  One cutting now made is
 worth two neglected till spring.
   Many farmers have planted seedlings in their
 orchard, t intending to graft with best sorts."
 Now is the time to cut or secure the scions.
 There are varieties in every  neighborhood
 which have excelled.  Your soil or aspect is
 similar; secure some of these; make up an
 additional list of some of the best leading va-
 rieties you can command from Western horti-
 cultural journals and friends, extending
* through the season. Secure the scions, tying
  in separate packages the several sorts, and
  pack as described for grapes.
If the strawberry bed Is not yet covered with
iclean straw or cornstalks, do it at once. A
, plantation intended for fruiting may have its
ivalue largely and sometimes totally destroyed
tby the thawing and freezing process. It cer-
Ytainly can be of no benefit to have half their



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