100 



two or three years ; but never attempt to grow two crops where 

 you apply only plant-food for one. Some grow strawberries be- 

 tween the rows while the vines are making wood ; but it is a 

 practice of doubtful expediency, as the strawberry plant is a gross 

 feeder, and will soon exhaust the soil. 



PRUNING AND TRAINING. 



The aim of the propagator must be to get as strong growth as 

 possible the first year. When the wood of the plant has become 

 mature, cut it back, leaving only two 

 buds. Two buds are allowed to re- 

 main for safety, one of which is to be 

 rubbed off when both start, leaving 

 only one to grow the first year after 

 transplanting. What is wanted is a 

 strong root and cane at the outset, 

 whatever system of training may sub- 

 sequently be adopted. Fig. 49 will 

 give a good idea of a well grown vine 

 at the end of the first year after plant- 

 ing out. Repeat the cutting back till 

 the preponderance of the root over the 

 top is such as to give a single strong 

 cane, such as the cut represents. When 

 this is secured, whether the vine is one 

 or five years from the bud but not be- 

 fore cut back to two buds at the time 

 of pruning, and allow both to grow and 

 form canes the next season. 



There are numerous ways of pruning 

 Fig. 49. and training the vine, practised with ap- 



parently equal success by those engaged in grape culture, each fol- 

 lowing some peculiar notion of his own. To be convinced of the 

 truth of this statement, one has only to look over the various works 

 on this subject, published from time to time, and compare the 

 illustrations and directions given as a guide to the novice. 

 Many of the methods are ingenious, some simple, and others so 

 complex as to mystify rather than enlighten or aid the amateur. 



