Grape Culture. 17 



is then done. With the increased hot weather, the bottom 

 ventilators must needs be resorted to, giving a free circulation 

 of air to the vines. As soon as the wood bigins to ripen, 

 increase the amount of air and reduce atmospheric moisture, 

 when the canes will assume a dark-brown colour. Open all 

 ventilators and admit as much air as possible. This will keep 

 the foliage clean and healthy until wood and roots are thoroughly 

 matured, which will be about the end of September. 



CHAPTER VI. 

 PRUNING (BRANCH AND ROOT). 



PRUNING young vines, or cutting the young vines down the 

 second year after planting, is an operation which will require 

 to be done the first week in January, or as soon as the foliage 

 has fallen. Cut the leader down to two or three feet from 

 where it started the previous year, and cut the side shoots close 

 in to the main rod. If the two-rod system is to be adopted, 

 leave two leaders instead of one. No matter what the strength 

 of the vines may be, the lower they are pruned the stronger will 

 they grow. Let me here state that if the leading shoot was 

 pinched as it should be when four or five feet long, it will be a 

 great advantage to the cane, especially to that part which is 

 left after pruning. It is thus important to obtain a good 

 foundation for good fruiting vines. After pruning, if insects 

 are troublesome, wash the vines over with a soft brush with a 

 solution of Gishurst compound one ounce to a gallon of hot 

 water, or even dip the brush in warm water and rub on the 

 compound, which is an effective method. Wash every part of 

 the woodwork with soft soap and hot water. Limewash the 

 walls and cleanse the house thoroughly, and take care never 

 to damage the buds of the vines. Examine the border and see 

 if the young vines have extended their roots into the new soil 

 made up the previous year. If the roots are found to be running 

 into the old garden soil, cut them back, and they will be found 



