I/ ART DE VIGNERON. 191 



buds within the length of twelve inches of the 

 branch, but where this occurs, the vigneron 

 should carefully rub off all the other eyes below 

 such as are within that length, exceeding three 

 in number, which three will, of course, in the 

 selection, be those having a round, full appear- 

 ance, indicating that they are the strong vegeta- 

 tion of the plant. This precaution is the more 

 necessary, as without it a risk will be incurred 

 of exhausting the vine at least for the two or 

 three succeeding years. 



Where the provins of the two years shall be 

 found to possesssufficient strength, they should 

 now be pruned, as to form the heading of the 

 future plant. With this view, the vigneron 

 should leave two branches, that at the foot of the 

 plant nearest the surface of the ground being the 

 longest, particularly where the plant is vigorous 

 and stout. It is contended by some of the cul- 

 tivators of our Canton, that such lower branch is 

 exposed to many sources of injury. Before we 

 proceed farther, let us add an observation on the 

 nature of the inconveniences to which it is said 

 such branch is incident. First, that it is con- 

 stantly exposed to mechanical injury from care- 

 lessness and inattention in working among the 

 vines. Secondly, whenever a late frost occurs 

 in the spring, it is exposed to a greater injury 

 than the upper branch, in consequence of its 

 proximity to the ground, and an increased humi- 

 dity from that cause. Third, a greater mischief 

 is inflicted on it by hail. Fourth, that the fruit 

 is subject to disease, and easily perishes. 



All these objections should be taken in a quali- 



