I grow grapes between the rows of berry bushes, half way from each
row, which are twelve feet apart. The vines are eight feet apart in
the row; at every vine is planted an old fence rail, the ends squared
off, and the bottom coated with coal tar before planting; these stand
six feet above the surface, and from top to top runs a light pole or
single strand of wire. The vines are tied up to the posts and out
along the rail; this gives a clear space underneath for keeping the
ground worked, and it bears the crop in the most convenient position
for gathering. The vines should be trimmed early in February, that
the wounds may contract and harden before the sap flows. The vines
should be tied up with fresh rope; do not depend on any old ties, as,
though they may look strong, the birds will pick them to pieces to make
nests of. Trim the vines to long canes, two to four to each post, and
divide them at the top, carrying half out the top pole or wire in each
direction; cut the side shoots back to two eyes each, as these are the
spurs that will furnish the fruit branches. If fruit is desired in
finest condition a two-pound paper bag should be tied round the neck,
to the stem of each bunch, placing the bunch inside, when the berries
are about half grown; this preserves the grapes from mildew and, what
is more destructive, the ravages of bees and birds.