The Drooping System. 81 



are tied after pruning, and from which the young 

 laterals which produce the crop are to spring. 

 These laterals strike the two outer wires, soon 

 clinging to them with their tendrils, and are safe 

 from destruction, while the fruit is thrown in the 

 best possible position for spraying and gathering, 

 and is still shaded with the canopy of leaves. I 

 have now used this trellis five years upon ten acres 

 of mixed vines, and I am more pleased with it every 

 year. 



"The following advantages ars secured by this 

 system : 



"i. The natural habit of the vine is maintained, 

 which is a canopy to shade the roots and body of 

 vine and the fruit, without smothering. 



" 2. New wood, formed by sap which has never 

 passed through bearing wood, is secured for the 

 next crop a very important matter. 



"3. Simplicity and convenience of trellis, 

 allowing free passage in any direction through the 

 vineyard ; circulation of air without danger of break- 

 ing tender shoots ; ease of pruning, spraying, cul- 

 tivation, harvesting. 



"4. Perfect control in pruning of amount of crop 

 to suit capacity of vine. 



"5. Long canes for bearing, which agrees ex- 

 actly with the nature of nearly all our American 

 species far better than short spurs. 



"6. Ease of laying down in winter. The vine 



