14G STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



the vineyard, and from these directions we deduce three rules, of universal 

 application : 



First, The upright position of a growing cane is most favorable to its 

 vigorous growth ; 



Second, A cane intended to fill a future place, whether upon stake or trellis, 

 must not be permitted to expend its vigor in the production of laterals; 



Third, The cutting away of a lateral will usually start tlie bud at its base ; 

 and since, upon vines of bearing age, this is usually the fruit bud for the 

 ensuing year, the coming season's fruit will tliereby be lost. 



In a climate like that of most parts of Michigan where winter protection is 

 desirable, if not even necessary, it becomes essential that pruning be done 

 before the vines receive their winter covering, and when the young wood is to 

 be us3d for propagation, it should be cut soon after the dropping of the foliage 

 and before the occurrence of severe frosts. 



Even in the absence of these considerations, since to avoid bleeding, the 

 pruning must bo done a considerable period before the commencement of 

 growth in spring, and the weather is usually uncomfortable fur such purpose 

 at that time; the autumn will usually be found preferable. 



Rubbing off superfluous buds, and the stopping of laterals, must, of course, 

 be done during the season of growth; these, however, can hardly be considered 

 as pruning. 



In view of the above considerations, we recommend that the needful prun- 

 ing, preparatory to the next season's growth, be done during the month of 

 November. 



Acting accordingly, we close the operations of the first season in the vine- 

 yard, by cutting the growth of the season back to three buds. 



Second Year. 



After the second year's growth is well started, examine the plants, select 

 the strongest two buds left at the fall pruning, and pinch back the remaining 

 one. Tie the two canes to the stake, and pinch back all laterals, as directed 

 last year. 



At the annual pruning in November, if the vines are to be trained to 

 stakes, all those whose two canes have made growths of eight feet or more, 

 may be cut back — the stronger one to bo about half its length, and the other 

 to two or three buds. 



In case of a vine of less vigorous growth, it will be preferable to cut one of 

 the canes wholly away, and cut the other back to two or three eyes, and repeat 

 the last year's treatment. 



Third Year — Training to a Stake. 



The third spring, if not before, each plant must be provided with a strong 

 stake from five to six feet in height above the ground. Tlie longer cane must 

 be tied to the stake, as a fruiting cane. This is sometimes bent in a curve, 

 and tied to the stake in this form, for the purpose of increasing itsfruitfulness. 



From the eyes left at the base of the other cane when cut away, a new caue 

 must be grown in the manner heretofore described. 



In November the cane that has already fruited must be cut back to near its 

 base, and the alternate cane, the growth of the current year, shortened, as 

 heretofore specified, to half its length. 



