146 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



supplying the loss of alkalies which are largely consumed by the 

 grape. Whatever element of fertility is applied, it should never 

 be done when the grapes are approaching their full size, nor 

 early in the fall ; because the result will be a larger growth of 

 canes, which not being sufficiently matured to withstand the 

 winter and spring frosts, would hazard the life of the vine. 



Mulching the ground with light manure, muck, or especially 

 with vine leaves, makes an absorbent for the heat during the 

 day, which is in part radiated at night, causing a more equal 

 temperature, and during the hot drouth of summer, holds in 

 absorption the rains and dew, thus screening the earth from two 

 extremes, heat and drouth, lessening the danger from autumn 

 frosts, and promoting a full development and maturity of fruit." 



Pruning and Training. — " As to the right time for pruning 

 vines in New England, we have mostly come to the conclusion 

 that early winter is the best, say in the month of November, 

 soon after the falling of the leaves. 



" Respecting the best method of pruning vines, opinion is 

 undergoing a decided change. The practice in Europe of very 

 close pruning has been followed in this country by foreign vine 

 dressers, without duly considering the difference of climate and 

 the character of our vines. Ours are indigenous, while the vines 

 of Europe were originally brought from Asia, some two thousand 

 years ago, and have been dwarfed by excessive pruning, so that 

 they will bear the loss of nearly all their tops with comparative 

 impunity, and submit to be planted in hills about as thick as 

 our Indian corn. But at last they show the certain effects of 

 long ill usage, in the fatal oidium or blight. 



" As some portions of a vine naturally die out of themselves 

 each winter, would it not be well to follow the hints of nature in 

 our practice ? As a general rule that system of pruning is best 

 which shortens or thins out a moderate portion of each season's 

 growth, allowing a gradual and uniform increase, and with a 

 view to check the tendency of the vines to bear fruit exclusively 

 on the extreme ends of the branches. But no one system of 

 pruning is adapted to every condition, for something depends 

 on the age of the vine, the variety, and the space allotted to its 

 growth. It is to be remembered that the fruit always grows on 

 young or new shoots, which start from the wood of the preceding 

 year. This principle will serve as a general guide in pruning 



