Chap. 37.] THE DISEASES OE TREES. 51/ 



a method of cultivation, will very soon degenerate to a wild 

 state. 



The vine that is thus trained requires the ground to be 

 ploughed very deep, though such is not the case for the sowing 

 there of grain. It is not customary to cut away the leaves 

 in this case, which, of course, is so much labour spared. 

 The trees themselves require pruning at the same period 

 as the vine, and are thinned by clearing away all useless 

 branches, and such parts as would only absorb the nutriment. 

 "We have already 68 stated that the parts that are lopped should 

 never look north or south : and it will be better still, if they 

 have not a western aspect. The wounds thus made are very 

 susceptible for a considerable time, and heal with the greatest 

 difficulty, if exposed to excesses of cold or heat. The vine 

 when trained on a tree enjoys advantages that are not pos- 

 sessed by the others ; for the latter have certain fixed aspects, 

 while in the former, it is easy to cover up the wounds made 

 in pruning, or to turn them whichever way you please. When 

 trees are pruned at the top, cup-like cavities should be formed 69 

 there, to prevent the water from lodging. 



CHAP. 36. HOW GRAPES ARE PROTECTED FROM THE RAVAGES 



OF INSECTS. 



Stays, too, should be given to the vine for it to take hold of 

 and climb upwards, if they are taller than it. (24.) Espaliers 70 

 for vines of a high quality should be cut, it is said, at the 

 Quinquatria, 71 and when it is intended to keep the grapes, 

 while the moon is on the wane. We are assured, moreover, 

 that those which are cut at the change of the moon, are exempt 

 from the attacks of all insects. 72 According to another system, 

 it is said that vines should be pruned by night at full moon, 

 and while it is in Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius," or Taurus : and 

 that,- in general, they ought to be planted either when the 

 moon is at full or on the increase. In Italy, ten workmen 

 will suffice for one hundred jugera of vineyard. 



CHAP. 37. — THE DISEASES OF TREES. 



Having now treated sufficiently at length of the planting 



68 In c. 16 of this Book. 69 To drain the upper part of the tree. 



70 Pergulas. See B. xiv. c. 3. 



71 See B. xviii, c. 56. These, of course, are mere superstitions. 



72 Animalium. 



