126 OPEN AIR GRAPE CULTURE. 



is the best for all ordinary purposes, we are firmly 

 convinced. The extent allowed to the vine during 

 its first few years, is amply sufficient for the produc- 

 tion of an abundant crop, while at the same time the 

 vine is so far kept within bounds, that every bud is 

 pushed with vigor. And this will be found to be one 

 of the most important points connected with the 

 proper training of the vine. For when the balance 

 between the vital forces of the plant and the extent to 

 which it is allowed to extend, is greatly disturbed, as 

 exemplified in the opposite extremes of stake train- 

 ing and total neglect, nothing but debility on the 

 one hand, and the inordinate production of wood to 

 the exclusion of fruit on the other, can result. 



