HOW THE FRUIT IS BORNE 



405 



"rubbed off/' next spring if the young growth 

 seems to be too thick, or if the plant is weak. 

 Each shoot will bear, on an average, two or 

 three clusters. Some shoots will bear no clus- 



259. The bearing wood. 



ters. From one to six of the old canes, each 

 bearing from five to ten buds, are left each 

 spring. The number of clusters which a vine 

 can carry well depends upon the variety, the age 

 and size of the vine, the style of the training, 

 and the soil and cultivation. Experience is the 



