WHERE TO CUT 



499 



wood extending through the cane. Now, if the 

 cane be cut off at c 1 , in the middle of an inter- 

 node, the pith will shrink away and leave a little 

 hollow in which the rain collects. This is an ex- 

 cellent breeding place for fungi and bacteria, 

 which cause rotting of the pith and frequently 

 kill the bud. If, on the contrary, the cane be cut 

 at c 2 , through a node, a protecting cover of hard 

 wood is left which is an effectual barrier against 

 decay organisms. If a spur projects 

 too far from the vine, and it is de- 

 sirable to make it as short as pos- 

 sible in order not to interfere with 

 cultivation, it should be cut at c, 

 and the cut made as nearly vertical 

 as possible. This allows the water 

 to run off, and leaves less pith to 

 foster the growth of the fungi. At 

 the base of the cane there is a slight 

 enlargement (E). In removing a 

 cane completely, the cut should be 

 made just above this enlargement. 

 This is the most favorable place for 

 healing, as it makes the smallest 

 possible wound, and does not leave make the cuts. 

 a projecting stump of dead wood to 

 prevent the healing tissues from closing over the 

 wound. In removing a piece of older wood, as 

 at K and T 1 , Fig. 315, it is advisable not to cut 

 too close for fear of injuring the spur by the dry- 



316. How to 



