PRUNING THE GRAPE IN EASTERN AMERICA 111 



for a weak vine may be so pruned as to cause it to overbear ; 

 and, on the other hand, a vigorous vine pruned in the same way 

 might not bear at all. 



Results attained in pruning to regulate the vine. 



It is necessary to regulate the shape of the vine by training 

 so that tilling, spraying, pruning and harvesting can be easily 

 performed and the crop be kept off the ground. The cost of 

 production is always less in a well-pruned vineyard because all 

 vineyard operations are more easily carried out. 



The life of a vineyard is lengthened when the vines are well 

 trained, because when the parts of a vine are properly disposed 

 on trellis or stake the plants are less often injured in vineyard 

 operations. ^Moreover, not infrequently vines die from over- 

 production and consequent breaking of canes or trunks which 

 might have been prevented by pruning to shape the vine. 

 Suckers and water-sprouts are less common on well-trained 

 vines. It is necessary, too, by training to keep the bunches 

 away from trunk, canes and other bunches and so prevent 

 injury to the grapes. 



Lastly, fashion, taste or a more or less abnormal use of the 

 grapes, may prescribe the form in which a vine is trained. 

 Fashion and taste run from very simple or natural styles to 

 exceedingly complex, formal ones, depending, often, on the 

 variety, the environment or other condition, but just as often 

 on the whim of the grape-grower. The grape is a favorite orna- 

 mental for fences, arbors and to cover buildings ; for all of 

 these purposes the vines must be trained as occasion calls. 



Some Principles of Pruxixg 



Leaving the sha]Mng of the plant out of consideration and 

 having in mind pruning pr()])er, all efforts in pruning are di- 

 rected toward two objects : (1) The production of leafy shoots 



