32 American Grape Training. 



about 20 cents a pound. A pound will suffice to 

 tie a quarter of an acre of upright training through- 

 out the season. Raffia is obtained from the strip- 

 pings of an oriental palm {Raphia Ruffia], Wool- 

 twine is also still largely used for tying, but it is 

 not so cheap and handy as raffia, and it usually has 

 to be cut when the trellis is stripped at the winter 

 pruning, while the raffia breaks with a quick pull of 

 the vine. Some complain that the raffia is not strong 

 enough to hold the vine during the season, but it 

 can easily be doubled. Osier willows are much 

 used for tying up the canes in the spring, and also 

 for summer tying, especially in the nursery regions 

 where the slender trimmings of the cultivated osier 

 willows are easily procured. Wild willows are 

 often used if they can be obtained handily. These 

 willows are tied up in a small bundle, which is held 

 upon the back above the hips by a cord passed 

 about the body. The butts project under the right 

 hand, if the person is right-handed, and the strands 

 are pulled out as needed. The butt is first used, 

 the tie being made with a twist and tuck, the strand 

 is then cut off with a knife, and the twig is operated 

 in like manner until it is used up. When wool- 

 twine is used, the ball is often held in front of the 

 workman by a cord which is tied about it and then 

 passed about the waist. The ball is unwound from 

 the inside, and it will hold its shape until the end 

 becomes so short that it will easily drag upon the 

 ground. Some workmen carry the ball in a bag, 



