GRAPHS. 2O7 



Better have fewer bunches of better quality. This 

 will hold good in any fruit that has a tendency to 

 overbear. By reducing the numbers we shall get 

 the same, or perhaps more in weight that will com- 

 mand a better price, and the tree or vine is relieved 

 of its greatest and most debilitating strain, that of 

 maturing the seeds. 



Pruning may be done either in the spring or fall. 

 If in the fall, which is preferred, November or late 

 October is a good time. 



Let us suppose that the vine has been planted two 

 or three years and has three canes 5 -to 6 feet long. 

 There are not at this time any branches to be con- 

 sidered, and we will shorten them to about 3 feet 

 and they are ready for winter cover. 



The next fall each bud will have made a lateral, 

 and each bearing several buds. - Besides this the 

 main canes will have made an extension of several 

 feet. We will again shorten these to about half 

 their last year's growth, being governed by the 

 growth it has made and the space it is to cover. 

 The laterals will also be shortened to from one to 

 three buds, according to the number of these later- 

 als, and the strength of the vine. When the vine 

 has reached the limits of space reaching to the next 

 vine, it is thought that two buds to each lateral will 

 give the best results. 



The canes when treated in this way are ready not 

 only for covering, but to go upon the trellis in the 

 spring. It is not best to take them from the cover 

 very early, as the grape starts late, and should be 



