PRUNING AND TKAINING. 127 



discussion, neither does it prove that it is the ultimatum 

 of perfection. If we pursue the investigation of this mat- 

 ter in a physiological manner, we are led to understand 

 that all summer pruning tends to lessen the vigor, and 

 cripple the energy of all plants ; and practical experience, 

 combined with observation, proves the fact. Arguing 

 from this point, we may be accused of advocating no sum- 

 mer pruning at all, to which we say, " not guilty." If 

 the greatest extension of branches and corresponding 

 roots, or bulk of timber were the object, then the less 

 pruning the better, but the present position is a consider- 

 ation of circumstances and adaptability, independent, to a 

 certain extent, of nature's action ; the object being to 

 coax her to accommodate herself to our conveniences ; and 

 as the grape vine is one of the most easily trained of her 

 family, we have, in this case, a partial control. We ought 

 then, to consider what we are doing, and how far we are 

 acting in unison with what are known to be established 

 laws, and to infringe too far upon these is sure to produce 

 evil. This or that man's dogmatical opinion must cer- 

 tainly fail unless it be based upon this indisputable cer- 

 tainty, — where is the use of following this-should-be, 

 or that ought-to-be, unless somewhat in accordance with 

 these natural demands. Yet we find a prolific and luxu- 

 riant plant, such as the grape-vine is, stubbed in, cut 

 close, and sheared like a convict, — we were near saying 

 shaved too, for the pinching back to one eye above the 

 fruit is nearly tantamount to that close operation. The 

 reason given for this peculiar treatment is, that the fruit, 

 and also the plant, is strengthened by it. How would it 

 strengthen one's toes by cutting off a finger, supposing 

 another would grow in its place ; or would an animal pro- 

 duce the finer offspring if the body were to be mutilat 

 It is jus* possible that an amount of gangrene would 



