After the gathering of the crop, and the fall of the leaf, the vineyard is unattractive in appearance. It has been stripped of its poetry, and presents a mere field of naked vines and dry stakes. But little work is required this month, unless hoeing or ploughing is thought necessary to be done now, in preference to spring. This is a mooted point as yet, the majority of cultivators preferring spring.

Pruning the vines may be done in the latter part of this month, if the cuttings are wanted for planting, or for sale. Some persons oppose this practice, but I have pursued it for years past, without injury to the vines. Cuttings may be planted out in nurseries this month, or even in vineyards, with safety, although the spring is generally preferred.

Vineyard Calendar For November #1

December and the two succeeding months afford but little employment for the vinedresser, except pruning the vines in pleasant weather, sharpening stakes, mending walls or trellises, or such work as can be done now, to lessen the labors that press upon us with the opening of Spring. The vines are pruned as heretofore directed, and the branches brought into the house, or cellar, to be cut up into proper lengths for planting, in slips, or cuttings, and the refuse used to feed the fire, or to put into ravines to prevent washing out the soil. These cuttings are prepared in wet days, or in wet evenings, to economize time. They are tied in bundles of 100 or 200, with willow ties, and kept in a cool, damp cellar, or set on the ends in the earth, to keep them fresh. The young shoots from the yellow willow may now be cut from the tree, tied up in bundles, and placed in the cellar until wanted for use. The wine casks will merely be required to be kept bung full, and tight.