40 



to cut away, clean to the stem, the lower shoot, shorten back the leading 

 one to two or three eyes, and also the branch that has formed below it. 

 The third year after the vines are planted the shaping of their stems 

 will be completed, under ordinary circumstances, and the shoots should 

 be cut back so as to form the necessary lateral branches. The illustrations 

 will afford a good idea as to the way vines of different ages should be 

 cut to bring them into the proper forms. 



TRELLISING. 



The system of trellising in vineyards has certain advantages, as it 

 allows the branches to be spread out so that they can get the maximum 

 of benefit from sun and light. They can be better secured against the 

 effects of high winds and heavy rains, and facilities are afforded for 

 long-rod pruning, which is the better mode for some varieties. Some 

 people object to trellising, on the ground that it increases the cost of 

 cultivation, because horse implements can only be worked one way, and 

 more hand labour is required. On the other hand, it can be argued 

 that vines or trellises are flat on their supports, and do not take up so 

 much room as round-headed bushes. Consequently, the cultivating 

 implements can approach nearer to the plants. Trellises carried over- 

 head offer advantages when space is limited, or a shady walk or yard is 

 required. Very large returns can be obtained from vines trained in this 

 way, and this method is specially commended to persons having but 

 limited areas of ground. It is also an excellent way of training the 

 Currant Grape. 



The Thomery System. This method of training is practised to some 

 extent in France and other parts of Europe for high trellises, walls, and 

 buildings. By this method the drawback of having one set of horizontal 

 arms starting from a higher level than another, and consequently an 

 irregular growth, is obviated, and an area of trellis or wall space well 

 above the ground can be regularly covered. The theory of the system 

 is to form the stems either high, low, or medium, so that the crowns 

 will be at different heights from the ground. Each vine is trained with 

 either one or two lateral arms, as shown by the illustration, and these 

 carry the full strength of the plants. There is no limit as to the height 

 Vines may be trained under this system, and it is specially suitable for 

 the cultivation of Grapes against the sides of buildings or high walls. 



The Chaintre Sjistem. Under this system the vines are trained 

 with long stems and branches so as to trail over and cover the ground 

 surface. These branches are supported by short forked stakes, in such a 

 manner that the bunches of fruit are kept clear of the ground. When 

 the winter pruning is given the vines are turned over into the adjoining 

 rows, the stakes removed, and the necessary tillage effected. Then the 

 stakes are fixed again arid the branches placed upon them. It is claimed 

 for this system that through the foliage being spread out, the ground 

 is well shaded, and keeps moister and cooler than if it were fully 

 exposed to the action of sun and wind. This system entails more labour 

 in pruning and tilling than ordinary modes of training, as also in 



