32 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ILLINOIS 



Mr. Wier — They will look just the same as now, only larger. 

 Mr. Douglass — How near the ground are the lowest branches? 

 Mr. Wier — I have trees started as low as four inches from the 

 ground, and others as high as five feet and nine inches, and all the way 



between. 



Voice — What height is best in your judgment.' What height would 

 you recommend .' 



Mr. Wier — That would depend somewhat upon the variety — prob- 

 ably eighteen inches is a good average. 



Voice — How about the cultivation of low-headed trees } 



Mr. Wier — You can cultivate closer to low-headed than high- 

 headed trees. 



The President — If there is to be no further discussion upon this 

 report, we will pass to the next regular business of the afternoon — viz : 

 DISCUSSION ON SMALL FRUITS. 



The subject of Grapes is first on the list. Let us hear from some 

 gentleman upon the grape question. 



DISCUSSION ON THE GRAPE. 



Dr. Humphrev — Mr. President. It is, I believe, generally conceded 

 that the medium system in the pruning of the grape vine is best. I 

 would not advocate t\\Q no pruning sysfem,r\ox the too close pruning system, 

 but the golden mean between them. I would then say moderate winter 

 pruning, and little summer pruning. Twice pinching, and that early, is 

 all the summer pruning the vine should have. There are a few who do 

 not prune at all in summer; but, so far as my observation goes, I think 

 I notice a little the finest results from vines that have been slightly sum- 

 mer-pruned. 



In regard to protection, we believe it will pay to lay down our 

 vines, in this latitude, and slightly cover them with the soil, and upon 

 this it is well to spread a light covering of loose litter; that will prevent 

 the rains from beating upon the ground, and rendering it so hard, that 

 there is danger of injury in lifting the vines. I believe it will pay to 

 give this attention to our vines, if it'will pay at all to grow grapes. 



Mr. Nelson — Is there no danger of mice secreting in this "litter" 

 and dirt .? 



Dr. Humphrey — I think not, if you put on the dirt first— and then 

 the "litter" on that. 



