94 OPEN AIE GRAPE CULTURE. 



at which it springs from the old wood) should be as low 

 down as possible — if even with the surface of the 

 ground, so much the better. 



A plant such as we have described, is shown in Fig. 

 10 as it is usually received from the nursery. The 

 same plant properly pruned is shown in Fig. 11. 



ng. 11. 



Many are afraid to cut back so severely, but it is the 

 only true method. 



The object of leaving two eyes at first, is merely to 

 guard against accidents. If we could be insured 

 against them, the upper one would be better away. 

 Little else can be done during the first year than to 

 keep the ground mellow, loose about the plants and free 

 from weeds. The vine must also be tied up during 

 the season, and if a little liquid manure could be ap- 

 plied to them while growing, it would prove of great 

 benefit. In applying this stimulant, it is necessary to 

 use it in a very diluted state, and if possible, just 

 before or during wet weather. When applied during 

 very dry weather remove the surface soil to a depth 



