REMODELING OLD VINES 491 



its laterals, is cut away at the spur, and another 

 three -foot cane which grew during the season 

 is left in its place. This pruning is essentially 

 that of the Kniffin vine in Fig. 294. Imagine 

 this vine, with as many joints or tiers as neces- 

 sary, laid upon the arbor. The canes are tied 

 out horizontally to the slats instead of being tied 

 on wires. This same system running up a long 

 trunk and cutting -in to side spurs will apply 

 equally well to tall walls and fences which it is 

 desired to cover. Undoubtedly a better plan, so 

 far as yield and quality of fruit is concerned, is 

 to renew back nearly to the root, bringing up a 

 strong new cane, or perhaps two or three every 

 year, and cutting the old ones off ; but as the 

 vines are desired for shade, one does not care to 

 wait until midsummer for the vines to reach and 

 cover the top of the arbor. 



REMODELING OLD VINES. Old and neglected 

 tops can rarely be remodeled to advantage. If 

 the vine is still vigorous, it will probably pay to 

 grow an entirely new top by taking out a cane 

 from the root. If the old top is cut back severely 

 for a year or two, this new cane will make a vig- 

 orous growth, and it can be treated essentially like 

 a new or young vine. If it is very strong and 

 ripens up well, it can be left long enough the first 

 fall to make the permanent trunk ; but if it is 

 rather weak and soft, it should be cut back in the 

 fall or winter to two or three buds, from one of 



