PRUNING THE VINE. 



45 



be supplied with a moderate quantity of nutriment. 

 These main rods, on which the spurs are, can only be 

 allowed to reach the full length within one, two, or 

 more seasons, cutting them back proportionably each 

 successive season. 



In pruning the Vine, under all circumstances use a 

 sharp thin knife, and cut nearly close to the bud or 

 eye, choosing a plump and a fully developed one for 

 the base of the next year's supply, one bud or eye being 

 enough. It should be pruned as soon after the leaves 

 have dropped off as possible. All spray, i.e. weak 

 stuff, that is sometimes found on badly managed "Vines, 



Fig. 41. 



must be cut clean out, leaving only strong eyes for the 

 following year's supply of wood ; and if the spurs are 

 too thick on the leader rod thin them out, cutting 

 them clean off. It is bad policy in Vine culture to 

 allow too many rods — i.e. never allow them to be so 

 thick as to cause the young growth to overlap one 

 another much. It is the sun that is wanted for the 

 Vine. 



In pruning the Grape in the vinery, all the leaders 

 and the stems should be thoroughly cleaned at the same 

 time, i.e. the outside bark that is in a measure loose 

 should be peeled off to the smooth light brown bark ; 

 this will clear away embryo insects that may be 



