PRUNING AND TRAINING. 123 



modes of ciiltiv.ation wliicli would appear to speak to the 

 contrary, but observe the ultimate results patiently, with 

 care and without prejudice, and all these abuses will tell 

 their own woful tale. 



One of the causes why the grape vine so soon wears 

 out, as it is generally considered to do, is produced by 

 such close pruning as we yearly subject it to — the volume 

 of the plants is increased for three or four years at first, 

 and afterwards only allowed the same extent of surface. 

 There is no other fruit-bearing plant that would continue 

 to prosper long with this treatment ; take for example a 

 peach or an apple, allow either the one or the other to 

 produce a long straight stem of twelve or fifteen feet, and 

 cut in the side branches to an eye, never suffering it any 

 further extension but what is produced in the summer — 

 again to be cut out — and it would, after a few years' constant 

 excitement, dwindle down to a mere stump, and finally die 

 out. If the grape-vine does not show the same so readily, 

 it is only because of its extremely tenacious constitutional 

 powers, for the same law governs both, and both alike 

 must sooner or later arrive at the same imbecile condition. 



As a vine, if extended over a great space, would only 

 admit of a limited number being grown, it becomes neces- 

 sary to explain how this may be accomplished ; and like- 

 wise how, during the interval, the usual crop may be 

 secured. In planting, place in the centre of the intended 

 row a vine of known good qualities; at intervals of about 

 twelve feet plant others of equal merit, and fill up the 

 vacancies with sorts as fancy may dictate, so that eacli 

 one may stand about three feet apart from the next. 

 During the first two seasons train all up as usual ; so far 

 we have elongated the surface upwards, and the canes 

 will be near the top of the house. In pruning the second 

 fall, as there are side spurs on the lower half of the canes 



