REPORTS OF LOCAL SOCIETIES. 389 



third year's o-rowtli, two canes are left for bearing, and the others cut 

 back to spurs, while the old cane is cut off where it starts from the 

 body of the vine. 



The treatment in after years is much the same, though somewhat 

 more laborious. On strong vines the number of canes may be increased 

 gradually to three and four, and the lengih of each extended to six or 

 seven feet. No fixed rules can be given, as the treatment of each 

 vine must be in accordance with its vigor, and each season's growth 

 will tell the tale, whether properly cared for or neglected, or overborne, 

 so that even the tyro in grape growing can soon learn what treatment 

 is necessary, and when the vine needs a rest or stimulation. 



SUMMER PRUNING. 



This consists in pinching or breaking off the tips of the young 

 shoots on which fruit is forming, when they have grown to six or eight 

 inches. Usually but two bunches are allowed to each shoot, and those 

 which have no fruit are rubbed off entirely. By this process the size, 

 quality and quantity of the fruit can be controlled and improved. 



TYING UP THE VINES. 



The canes or bearing wood should be tied up in March or April, 

 before the vine starts to growing, and should be spread out on the 

 trellis, in order to prevent the new growth from being ciowded. 



For ties, willows or very strong twine should be used, as it is im- 

 portant to secure the canes in such a manner that the weight of the 

 fruit and new growth does not break the tie. During the growing 

 season the young canes and shoots should be tied up as soon as they 

 are long enough to do so, or else the wind may break them off while 

 they are yet tender. For this purpose twine, strips of rags, or pawpaw 

 bark will answer. 



TRELLIS. 



Wire makes the best and cheapest trellis. No. 12 is commonly 

 used, but No. 11 or 10 would be better. 



For convenience a trellis is usually made five feet high, but the 

 higher the better — for the grapes at least. Strong posts, (4x5 inches, 

 and 7 feet long) are put at the ends of the rows, and after every third 

 vine, using smaller ones as supports between the other vines. The 

 end posts should be well braced. The wires are put on with staples, 



