SUMMER MEETING. 87 



The plants when set should be cut back to their buds, as this will 

 enable them to throw out these strong vines to be used upon your 

 trellis when put up. 



The writer for years past has had three arms to each vine. One 

 is to be brought up straight, and one on each side of this thrown out 

 at an angle of nearly 45 degrees. 



The posts for the wires should not be placed directly over the 

 plant, but a little to one side, as this will allow the vine somewhat to lio 

 or rest on the wire, and not be supported thereto by the strings by 

 which they are secured to the wires. 



As soon as the vines have reached the first wire their ends should 

 be pinched off, as this will enable them to throw out laterals all along 

 the vines, which should be cut back to two buds. 



It is the opinion of the writer that there is no necessity for your 

 vines to go two or three years before they produce fruit, for if the 

 grapery is properly cultivated they will grow with sufficient vigor to 

 do this, and yet not injure the vitality of the vine. 



The second year the vines can reach the second wire and be 

 fastened thereto. 



The aim of the vineyardist in trimming is to secure short, stiff 

 spurs all along the vine for fruit-bearing, and not have all of the fruit 

 at the top wire, where the foliage may be so thick and dense that if 

 you have any fruit you will find it next to impossible to secure bunches 

 of grapes without breaking them to pieces. 



The vines should not only be pruned in the spring to two buds, but 

 if your vines are vigorous they should be summer pruned from one to 

 three times, depending somewhat upon their growth, and also upon 

 the season. If the weather gives plenty of rain, it will induce a rapid 

 growth of vine and require more pruning than when the seasons are 

 dry and hot, for if you prune too heavily your grapes will be exposed 

 too much to the influence of the burning sun, and they will turn of a 

 reddish color and will never properlj^ ripen. 



In all this fruit business from beginning to end, a good stock of 

 wisdom and observation will be found to be of vast importance in 

 giving and securing success. 



We are all much inclined to go from one extreme to another. 

 Some claim an apple tree requires no pruning, and some do this in 

 regard to the grape. 



This paper has too long detained this audience, and it will be left 

 in the hands of those with more extended exoerience. 



