92 OPEN AER GRAPE CULTURE. 



CHAPTER Y. 



CARE OF THE VINES DURING THE FIRST, SECOND AND 

 THIRD YEARS. 



The roots of the vine having been properly cared for, 

 the branches may now be pruned. Unless where 

 very large and well-rooted vines have been planted 

 expressly for immediate bearing, all the secondary 

 shoots should be cut away and the main stem 

 shortened to an extent depending upon its cha- 

 racter. 



As usually received from the nursery, one or ■ two 

 year old plants, if raised from cuttings, consist of a 

 short stem two to six inches long, one or two shoots 

 and a large quantity of spray or small twigs, consist- 

 ing of the laterals of last year. If raised from eyes, 

 there will in general be but one shoot, with perhaps 

 a few laterals. Under any, circumstances the plants 

 ought to be cut back at planting to two good eyes, and 

 as soon as they have made a few leaves, cut off the 

 upper one as close as possible to the one left, taking 

 care, however, not to injure the base of the remaining 

 shoot, which ought to be kept tied up to the stake 



