The Drooping System. 



67 



tion arises if it would not be better to dispense with 

 the lower canes and cut the upper ones longer. 

 This is now done to a considerable extent, especi- 

 ally in the Hudson valley. Fig. 25 explains the 

 operation. This shows a pruned vine. The trunk 

 is tied to the lower wire to steady it, and two canes, 

 each bearing from nine to fifteen buds, are left upon 

 the upper wire. These canes are tied to the upper 

 wire and they are then bent down, hoop-like, to the 



UMBRELLA TRAINING. 



lower wire, where the ends are tied. In some in- 

 stances, the lower wire is dispensed with, but this 

 is not advisable. This wire holds the vine in place 

 against the winds and prevents the too violent 

 whipping of the hanging shoots. During the grow- 

 ing season, renewal canes are taken from the spurs 

 in exactly the same manner as in the ordinary Knif- 

 fin. This species of training reduces the amount of 

 leaf-surface to a minimum, and every precaution 

 must be taken to insure a healthy leaf-growth. This 



