MODIFIED KNIFFINS 469 



Figs. 297 to 303,* the cross -marks indicating 

 where cuts are to be made. 



If it is desired to leave an equal number of 

 buds on both wires, the Double Kniffin will prob- 

 ably be found most satisfactory. Two distinct 

 trunks are brought from the root, each supply- 

 ing a single wire only (Fig. 304). The trunks 

 are often tied together to hold them in place. 

 This system, under the name of Improved Kniffin, 

 is just coming into notice in restricted portions 

 of the Hudson Valley. 



THE TWO -CANE KNIFFIN, OR UMBRELLA SYS- 

 TEM. Inasmuch as the greater part of the fruit 

 in the Four -Cane Kniffin is borne on the upper 

 wire, the question arises if it would not be better 

 to dispense with the lower canes and cut the upper 

 ones longer. This is now done to a considerable 

 extent, especially in the Hudson Valley. Fig. 305 

 explains the operation. This shows a pruned 

 vine. The trunk is tied to the lower wire to 

 steady it, and two canes, each bearing from nine 

 to fifteen buds, are left on the upper wire. 

 These canes are tied to the upper wire, and they 

 are then bent down, hoop -like, to the lower wire, 

 where the ends are tied. In some instances, the 

 lower wire is dispensed with, but this is not ad- 

 visable. This wire holds the vine in place against 

 the winds, and prevents the too violent whipping 

 of the hanging shoots. During the growing sea- 



*H. P. Van Dusen, in Pop. Gard. iii. 69. 



