CULTIVATION OF THE VINE. 159 



lated, and the most active circulation will carry 

 off the strength of the vine through the sluices, 

 opened apparently for the destruction of the plant. 

 In performing this operation, two branches or 

 shoots to each horn (by which term the old 

 branch of the preceding year is denoted) should 

 be left at least on those vines having that year 

 produced no fruit. 



This must not, however, be understood as ap- 

 plying to those vines in full force and vigor. 

 On such as are older, but which have not as yet 

 that season formed their fruit, four or six shoots 

 may be safely left; but this must only be done at 

 the time when they are raised and tied up with 

 straw, or matting, to secure them to the stakes; 

 because, should this operation be performed be- 

 fore the season of securing the shoots to the 

 stake, the vine will be exposed unnecessarily to 

 the high winds of the spring, to late frosts, hail, 

 or other unforeseen occurrences, from which a 

 serious injury may ensue. Those who adopt 

 this method, should take great care in the choice 

 of the branches left to" form the future heading, 

 the general practice with us being to leave those 

 shooting from the outer or exterior surface of the 

 stock, as affording a better exposition of the 

 next years' fruit bearing branches to the action 

 of the sun. 



Where the heading is formed from the inner 

 branches, they are 'so crowded together, that by 

 a dense foliage the fruit is so shaded, as to loose 

 much of the advantage of the sun, which, from a 

 more judicious exposure, might be given to them. 

 As soon as the young branch shall have acquired 



