180 MANUAL OF AMERICAN GRAPE-GROWINO 



The shape of the vine must be such as to protect it as much 

 as possible from various unfavorable conditions. A variety 

 susceptible to oidium, like the Carignane, must be pruned so 

 that the fruit and foliage are not unduly massed together. Free 

 exposure to light and air are a great protection in this respect. 

 The same is true for varieties like the Muscat, which have a 

 tendency to "coulure" if the blossoms are too moist or shaded. 

 In frosty locations, a high trunk will be a protection, as the air 

 is always colder close to the ground. 



The qualities required in the crop also influence our choice of 

 a pruning system. With wine grapes, even, perfect ripening and 

 full flavor are desirable. These are obtained best by having 

 the grapes at a uniform height from the ground and as near to 

 it as possible. The same qualities are desirable in raisin grapes, 

 with the addition of large size of the berries. With shipping 

 grapes, the size and perfection of the berries and bunches are 

 the most essential characteristics. The vine, therefore, should 

 be so formed that each bunch hangs clear, free from injurious 

 contact with canes or soil and equally exposed to light and air. 



The maximum returns in crop depend on the early bearing of 

 young vines, the regularity of bearing of mature vines and the 

 longevity of the vineyard. These are insured by careful at- 

 tention to all the details of pruning, but are possible only when 

 the vines are given a suitable form. 



The running expenses of a vineyard depend in a great meas- 

 ure on the style of pruning adopted. Vines of suitable form are 

 cultivated, pruned and the crop gathered easily and cheaply. 

 This depends also both on the form of vine adopted and on 

 care in details. 



It is impossible, therefore, to state for any particular variety 

 or any particular location the best style of pruning to be adopted. 

 All that can be done is to give the general characteristics of 

 the variety and to indicate how these may be modified by 

 grafting, soil or climatic or other conditions. 



