Appendix. 225 



each, and two spurs with two buds each, would make eighteen shoots; 

 and, should each shoot bear three bunches there would be fifty-four 

 bunches in all; this would be too much for one vine except it were very 

 old and strong; therefore, the smallest and poorest bunches are pinched 

 off, leaving only the largest and best. A vine in its third year should not 

 be allowed to bear more than fifteen pounds. If some shoots have not suffi- 

 ciently developed to be pinched, pass them by and go over the vines again 

 a few days later. This early pinching of the young shoots tends to throw 

 all the vigor of the vine into the development of the fruit clusters and 

 leaves. This early pinching saves much of the strength and vigor of the 

 vine, for otherwise the shoots grow long and hard, and the operation 

 of pruning is more difficult. This operation of pinching the shoots and 

 thinning the fruit results in a larger quantity and better quality of fruit. 

 After blossoming, and the laterals or side shoots have come out from 

 the axils of the leaves, the plants are again gone over and these pinched, 

 leaving one leaf. If the last named laterals shoot out again they should 

 be likewise pinched, leaving one leaf. After this last pinching little' 

 growth will be made. The shoots which are left untouched in the opera- 

 tion of pinching and which are designed to bear fruit next season, may 

 be cut off at the ends some time during July or August. It must be 

 kept in mind that the fruit should grow and ripen in the shade, and that 

 it is the leaves that feed the fruit and the plant, and that the roots only 

 furnish the water and some mineral matter. Many persons make a mis- 

 take in pulling away all the laterals besides many leaves in order, as 

 they believe, that the strength of the vine may be forced into the fruit, 

 and that the rays of the sun may shine on the bunches, and thus help 

 to develop them. 



The fourth year. At this age the vines are large and strong enough 

 to bear a full crop. The pruning is the same as that of the third year, 

 but instead of leaving two canes and two spurs, there may now be left 

 three or four canes and as many spurs. Consider the strength of the 

 vine and prune accordingly, longer or shorter, from six to ten buds to a 

 cane. Vines that show lack of vigor may be pruned as in the third year. 

 Care, however, should be taken not to overtax the vines, as they are apt 

 to overbear and lose their vigor. Should the soil be rather poor and the 

 vines look weak, use some stimulants, as potash or bonedust. Never use 

 ordinary stable manure. Soils that produce profitable crops of wheat or 

 potatoes are rich enough for grapes. Grapevines that have been bearing 

 for eight years at Milwaukie have never tasted any fertilizer yet, and 

 the vines are increasing in vigor every year. 



THE TRELLIS. 



Our grapes are all grown on wire trellis. Strong posts are set firmly 



into the ground, at the ends of the rows and well braced. Holes are bored 



through the end posts two feet above the ground; through these the first 



wires will be fastened; two feet above the first set of holes bore another 



15 



