58 THE AMERICAN VINE-DRESSER'S GUIDE. 



OF PROPPING VINE-ARBORS. 



As for propping vine-arbors, every one un- 

 derstands it. Laths are fastened crosswise, in 

 form of squares, to stakes or posts, or to the 

 walls. If you train your arbor to the tops of 

 houses covered with shingles, nails driven at 

 certain intervals will serve to supporfit ; but 

 be careful to bind firmly each shoot intended 

 to hear. (See " Of Pruning Vine- Arbors.") 



OF THE INCISION. 



THE incision serves to check the impetu- 

 osity of the sap, to nourish the grapes, to 

 hasten their maturity, and especially to pre- 

 vent them from falling. This operation is 

 very useful; it is performed when the vine 

 begins to bear in abundance, and five or six 



