GRAPE riXESMAXAGEMEXT OF BEARIXG SHOOTS. 197 



cerned in the points of the shoots, and then rub off those growths not required. The 

 shoots should be 15 to 18 inches apart on each side of the cane or rod. If two or more 

 shoots start from a joint select the best one and rub off the rest. Where more than 

 one starts from the same spur the choice should be given to the one nearest the main 

 rod if it is healthy and fruitfuL Eegard must be had to what has been advised on this 

 point under " Training," and two shoots may be left when there is ample space for 

 leaf development (see page 283). When the bunches of fruit are fairly visible, disbud- 

 ding is readily performed, and there is then little danger of bleeding. Healthy vines 

 will show two or three bunches on each shoot by the time it is 2 or 3 inches long, 

 and one of these only should be left, preferably the one nearest the base if it is a good 

 one, always retaining the best. Persons who are not experienced in grape growing 

 should wait a little longer to make sure of the most shapely bunches. 



A few days later stopping the shoots becomes necessary, and should be effected in 

 such a way as to give the least possible check to the vines. Stop the strongest first, 

 leaving the weaker ones to grow unchecked for a while. But it must be the merest 

 point that is taken out before the leaf at the joint exceeds the size of a shilling, and care 

 is required to do it properly. Beginners will be assisted in the work of manipulating 

 vine shoots by the illustrations on page 299. 



The leaves near the point of the shoot at the time it is stopped are scarcely large 

 enough to be called leaves, but they are sufficiently so for their number to be counted. 

 Two should be retained beyond each bunch, and four may be allowed if there is room for 

 them to develop and allow some sub-lateral growths without any crowding. The exten- 

 sion tends to increase the root action, and the fruit has then a less exhausting effect on 

 the vines. In some instances vines are so closely trained that it is necessary to stop at 

 one leaf beyond the bunch, and it is better to do so and allow space for after-growth 

 than to permit the crowding and crushing of the foliage, for in such case all the leaves 

 are imperfect. One substantial leaf grown under the direct action of the sun is more 

 effective in supporting the vine and crop than half a dozen that are essentially faulty 

 through being shaded by overcrowding. No more main leaves, therefore, should be 

 allowed beyond the bunches than can have full exposure to light and air, allowing also 

 space for subsequent growths, next to be explained. 



Small shoots, called laterals, will start from the axils of the leaves, and they should 

 be stopped to one leaf. This will cause the uppermost or side bud at that joint to push 

 a shoot, termed a sub-lateral (Fig. 90, 0, /), and this also must be pinched to one leaf. 



VOL. n. Q Q 



