Summer Pruning the Vine. 



165 



SUMMEE PEU^ING 



After the second pinching of the 

 fruit-bearing branches, as described in 

 our former articles, the Laterals will 

 generally start cnce more, and we 

 pinch the young growth again to one 

 leaf, thus giving each lateral two well 

 developed leaves. The whole course 

 should bo completed about the middle 

 of June here, and whatever grows 

 afterwards may be left, unless some of 

 the laterals should still become too 

 long and hang over into the row, 

 when they may be taken off or 

 shortened in. 



In closing, let us glance once more 

 at the objects we have in view, and 

 whether they are really reached by 

 the practice as followed b}^ us. 



1. One of its principal objects is to 

 keep the vino within proper bounds, 

 so that it is at all times under the 

 control of the vintner, without weaken- 

 ing its constitution by robbing it of a 

 great amount of foliage. This we trust 

 our readers will find is fully reached 

 by early and thorough pinching, as 

 the fruit-bearing branches become 

 stocky, better able to bear up their 

 fruits, and the tendrils cannot inter- 

 twine every thing. 



2. Judicious thinning of the fruit. — > 

 This is done most thoroughly, and at 

 a time when no vigor has been ex- } 

 pended in its development. 



3. Developing strong, healthy foliage. \ 

 — This object we gain by forcing the 

 growth of the laterals, and thus ! 

 having two young healthy leaves op- | 

 posite each bunch, which will shade j 

 the fruit and serve as conductors of i 

 sap to the fruit. 



THE YIXE— XO. 3. 



4. Growing vifjorous canes for next 

 years' fruiting. ~Vsq obtain just as 

 many as M'e want, and no more, there- 

 by making them stronger; and as 

 every part of the vine is thus acces- 

 sible to light and air, the wood Avill 

 ripen better and more uniform. 



5. Destruction of noxious insects.— 

 As the vintner has to look over each 

 shoot of the vino, this is done more 

 thoroughly and systematically than 

 by any other process. 



There now you have our method, 

 kind readers of the Culturist. If 

 you can suggest improvements, please 

 let us have them, for we hope to learn 

 a good deal ourselves in our inter- 

 course with you, and hope you will 

 each contribute your mite of knowl- 

 edge to the common fund, with that 

 true liberality Avhich Ave cannot help 

 but think should guide every one who 

 follows our noble j^i-ofession. 



Farewell to Hermann. — WJiile writiiiof 

 this our trunks are packed, our household 

 chattels gathered, for a "move" to Bluffton. 

 To the many fi'iends we leave here, with 

 whom we have labored earnestly at least, if 

 not always well, we take this opportunitj' of 

 bidding a kind farewell, with the assuraUce 

 that they will always lliul tlui " latch striuo;- 

 hung' out, and warm greeting, should they 

 visit us at Bluffton." Thanks for all the 

 kindness we have so often experienced; 

 thanks even for all honest opposition we 

 found. We may not lune l)een right al- 

 ways — no one is ; anil we trust we can always 

 bear to hear the truth, which it is our earn- 

 est desire to assist to sprcail. \Vc shall hold 

 all their favors in grateful rcmcmltrancc. 



Friends and correspomlents from abroad 

 will please direct their letters, etc.. to Bluff- 

 ton, Montgomery Co.. Mo., uhere we hoi)e 

 to see them often, and their faces will be 

 always a welcome sight. Morrison Station, 

 on the Pacilie \{. \\.. is within two milus of 

 Bluffton. and passengers can reach it in live 

 hours on the morning train from St. Louis. 

 We hope to l)e able to show them then- that 

 walso • 'practice what we preach." 



GEOKfiE IIlSMAN.V. 



Hermann-, Mo,, May 21, JW.i. 



