This is a busy month for the vine dresser. If not done last month, the stakes have now to be driven firmly into the ground, and the vines tied to them. When the buds begin to swell, bind the vine round in the form of a bow, and fasten it to the stake with willow ties; one at the top of the bow, and another at the end of the vine, will do. This lower tie may "bring the vine close to the stake, or leave it three or four inches off, if there is danger of breaking it. This should be done, in damp or cloudy weather, in the forenoon, when the vines are pliable; by giving the vine a slight twist, it will be less liable to break. Tying requires judgment and care.

Plant cuttings, in nurseries, in trenched ground, in rows two feet apart, and the cuttings three or four inches apart in the rows, five or six inches deep at the butt or lower end, and the top bud just even with the surface of the ground.

When the ground is warm and mellow, plant out vines or cuttings in the new vineyard. If the latter, plant two to a stick, and if both grow, take up one to replace failures. Three by six, four by six, four by seven, or four by eight, is a good distance, if trained to stakes; if on trellises, six by eight feet apart will do. Lay out the rows carefully with a line, and put down a stick, about fifteen inches long, where each vine is to stand. Plant the cuttings ten inches deep, and six inches apart at the lower end, and the buds at the top end, even with the surface, and one inch apart. They will be then placed in a slanting position.

Leave alleys or walks, every ten to twenty rows, ten feet wide, and cross them when necessary.

Some persons cultivate their vineyards the latter part of this month, with the plough or hoe. Others prefer May. And it has lately been suggested to omit spring culture, and keep the weeds down with a scythe or a scuffle hoe; then to hoe or plough about the time the grapes begin to color, late in August; and to cultivate the ground thoroughly in October, after the crop is gathered. It is thought this method may prevent the " rot".

Plant the yellow willow in wet places, to make ties for the grape-vines. Cuttings one to four inches in diameter will grow readily.

The Vineyard #1

Early in this month, the ground in the vineyard may be cultivated - if it was omitted in April. If the plough is used, be careful not to break off the young shoots, now starting rapidly. About the middle of the month, rub off superfluous shoots and suckers, leaving the strongest on the spur and the bow, to bear the fruit crop, and for bearing wood for next year.

In this climate, the grape-vine is in blossom toward the latter end of the month. Just before blooming, pinch off the ends of the young shoots two or three joints beyond the last blossom bud, except on two of the strongest branches, which are to be trained to the top of the stakes for bearing wood the year following. Tie up the young vines carefully to the stakes with rye straw (made damp, to be pliable), or any other cheap tie, as they are liable to be broken off by high winds. In training to trellises, the same treatment is necessary, and the shoots should be spread out judiciously on the trellis, to receive their due proportion of light and air.

Keep a sharp look-out for insects, and destroy such as are depredating. The lady-bug is not of that class, but a small green worm will often be found eating the blossom bud just as it expands from the leaves. These must be watched closely, and destroyed.

Give the young vines and cuttings in the nursery (if you have one) a light hoeing, to keep down weeds, and promote the growth of the vine.