FRUIT CULTURE. 25 



of choice, home-grown fruit in our local markets. While 

 grapes were being shipped from the South and West to our 

 local markets by the ton the past season, and sold at 

 wholesale for from three to five cents per pound, choice 

 native Concords, brought into market in a fresh condi- 

 tion, sold for from five to ten cents per pound, whole- 

 sale. 



High, light, gravelly or sandy soil, with a southern 

 exposure (upon which little else will grow) , can be made to 

 produce paying crops of the best quality. Thorough and 

 constant cultivation, liberal manuring, careful pruning and 

 training and a rigid system of thinning of the fruit are the 

 secrets of success. Few insects are seriously injurious ; 

 disease seldom attacks vines in a vigorous, healthy 

 condition, and the crop ripens four years in five. 



Enough manure or fertilizer must be used to produce a 

 vigorous growth, for upon the vigor of vine and leaf depend 

 the size and quality of the fruit. 



Pruning. 



In all of the many methods of training and systems of 

 pruning, one thing must be kept in mind, — that the growth 

 of a small number of strong, vigorous canes and leaves will 

 give better results than if a large number be allowed to 

 grow. 



The system known as that of renewal, — where fruit is 

 grown upon one part of the vine, and upon another part new 

 canes are being developed without fruit, which will bear 

 fruit the folio wina^ season, while that bearin<? fruit this 

 season will be cut away, — gives the best results. Pruning 

 may be done at any time after the leaves fall until the first 

 of March. After that time vines will bleed more or less, 

 which may or may not injure them, but certainly can do 

 them no oood. 



Varieties. 



Worden, Moore's, Concord, Brighton, Delaware, Lady, 

 Empire State and Niagara are among the best. 



