Vine Priming . 



47 



The damage caused by hail and frost greatly restricted the plant- 

 ing of vines in the northern part of the Pyrenees, where the most 

 diverse and curious systems are applied side by side. Vines trained 

 with low crowns, without stakes, vines trellised on the spalier system with 

 stakes at a height of 2 feet to 4 feet from the soil, and vines growing on 

 trees from 6 feet to 16 feet in height are to be found there. 



The highest vines are found in the southern part which is the 

 highest in altitude and the coldest, and where spring frosts are always 

 to be feared ; this accounts for the height given to vines. We will 

 follow the geographical order, and begin with the departement of 

 Ariege, that is to say, the south-east region. 



Ariege has its coldest climate near the Pyrenees, 

 while near Aude and Haute-Garonne it becomes 

 milder. 



In the parish of Pamiers vines are cultivated as 

 in Aude, but as we get closer to Foix, low-staked 

 vines become scarce, and we see in most vineyards 

 the rod system applied. 



Figs. 52 and 53 show a Pamiers vine before and after pruning, 

 each arm carries a spur of one eye ; this system is much too short, and 

 induces rank growth all oyer the old wood, exhausting the plant. 



Fig. 54 gives an idea of a vine at Foix after pruning. We see the 

 vines trellised at a height varying from 20 inches to 6 feet above the 



Fig. 52. 



Vine of Pamiers after 

 pruning. 



Fig. 53 — Vine of Pamiers before pruning. 



soil, the highest being in low, damp, and cold ground, and the 

 lowest on hills or ranges where spring frosts are not to be feared. 

 The frames of these trellises are formed of vertical posts, joined at 

 the top by laths ; these laths serve to keep the arms of the vines 



Fig. 54. — Vines in Foix after pruning 



