64 AMERICAN GRAPE GROWING 



is strong enough. The trellis is made six feet high, 

 with strong posts, to which crosspieces are attached. 

 One wire is stretched from post to post, and one on each 

 side, the cross-bars being three feet long. These three 

 wires run parallel with each other, the bearing canes 

 are tied from the middle to the sides, and the young 

 canes along the middle of the trellis. 



There are several other modifications of this system, 

 such as cross wire training, etc. 



THE MuNSOisr SYSTEM. My friend Munson of Deni- 

 son, Texas, has invented another method, somewhat on 

 the same principle, which he finds very satisfactory. 

 He sets two posts in the same place, but with their tops 

 diverging from two to three feet. One wire is stretched 

 from the top of each post to the next, and a cross wire 

 a foot lower bears a third wire, to which the vines are 

 fastened. The canes are led over and fastened to the 

 middle wire, while the young growth from the spurs is 

 carried over on the side wires. Thus the whole forms a 

 V-shaped mass of foliage, the fruit hanging below. He 

 claims for this system the following advantages : 



1. The natural habit of the vine is maintained, which 

 is a canopy to shade the roots and body of the vine and 

 fruit, without smothering. 



2. New wood, formed by a sap which has never passed 

 through bearing wood, is secured for the next crop. 



3. Simplicity and convenience of trellis, allowing 

 passage in any direction, circulation of air without dan- 

 ger of breaking tender shoots, ease of pruning, spraying, 

 cultivation and harvesting. 



4. Perfect control of crop in pruning to suit the 

 capacity of the vine. 



5. Long canes for bearing, which agrees with the 

 nature of American vines better than do short spurs. 



6. Ease of laying down in winter. The vine, being 

 pruned and not tied, being away from the posts, can be 



