122 



THE GRAPE. 



youngest one is now sufifered to grow, and is in its tui*n 

 cut oif at the top, another brought up from the bottom, 

 and the oldest cut clear out. Fig. 20 represents the three 

 separate canes in their respective 

 stages. Here we have the fruit always 

 borne on young and vigorous wood, 

 which generally produces the finest 

 fruit ; no spurring is required, and 

 there is the advantage of a large bulk 

 of leaves and branches, the former of 

 which affords nourishment; and pro- 

 motes the maturity of the roots ; but 

 the tops require somewhat more side 

 room, and the vines ought to be planted 

 a little further apart than is necessary 

 where spurring is resorted to. Where 

 a vine is allotted only a certain space, this is one of the 

 best methods of training, but it is unsightly, and if the 

 same advantages can be gained otherwise, and at the same 

 time beauty in appearance, it is certainly desirable to in- 

 sure both. Now the first described mode accomplishes 

 this object in the grapery and also retains a larger amount 

 of solid structure in the form of a strong permanent stem, 

 through which can flow an ample supply of sap to the 

 leayes, and receive back the food, elaborated by them, 

 down to the roots in a healthy way, and without any un- 

 due excitement to the whole organization. 



But the best of all plans, and also the most natural is, 

 to extend the head somewhat each season, so that finally, 

 one vine may cover a large surface. Nature works by 

 certain fixed laws which man cannot alter, and any long 

 continued attempt to force her to swerve from, her own 

 course, is sure to end in final failure and disappointment. 

 It cannot be denied, that much success is obtained by 



