128 THE GRAPE. 



the consequ&nce ; but as to truly healthful action, it is 

 possible that we should be none the gainers. Perhaps 

 this kind of analogy may be thought a very vulgar way 

 of explaining what might be shown in more delicate 

 words; but if coarse, the true meaning is purposely exhi^ 

 bited, to show up the ridiculousness of curtailing nature. 

 As stated above, the subject is a matter of circumstances, 

 we have to do with a family of plants that would occupy 

 a great volume of surface, yet we wish to have a large 

 number, comparatively speaking, in a small space, and the 

 best we can do is, not to weaken down natural energy 

 more than there is occasion for. Pruning, properly per- 

 formed, and in the right season, is certainly of great ser- 

 vice ; we find it so practically, its good effects are every- 

 where to be seen when it is adopted ; but so far and 

 no further is it advisable. If proof be required of the 

 injury that may be done by too close stopping, let any 

 one try the experiment of pinching in closely the side 

 shoots of a part of his vines, and leave the others several 

 joints longer, and he will find at the end of the growing 

 season that those which were left the longest are better 

 ripened than the shorter ones, providing the light has had 

 equal influence on both. If the vines are no further 

 apart than three feet, the distance will allow a shoot on 

 each side of fifteen to eighteen inches, upon which there 

 may be from seven to eight leaves ; and allowing the 

 fruit to be on the second or third joint, there will still 

 remain four or five leaves above it, each of which will do 

 its duty in elaborating the crude juices, and assimilating 

 the carbonic acid absorbed, thereby adding to the bulk 

 and solidity of the whole structure ; and if so, increasing 

 the amount and greater firmness of the roots ; for, accord- 

 ing to the amount and action of the foliage under favora- 

 ble influences, so are the underground extremities encour- 



