APPENDIX II. 361 



the spurs from which they spring. Tlien, of the two upper 

 shoots, that which bore the worst chister is suppressed. The 

 following year the spur is cut at a, Fig. 97, and the slioot b 

 is cut above the two lowest germs or eyes in order to form a 

 new courson or spur. 



PwEPLAOEMENT OF THE Spfes (Cotjrsons).— Somctimes also cer- 

 tain spurs disappear entirely or are not developed where they are 

 expected, and in either case spaces are left which it becomes 

 necessary to fill. This accident may be remedied by the graft. 



Care of the Gkapes. — It is in particular the intelligent 

 labor bestowed upon the grapes from their first appearance to 

 their maturity to which the cultivators of Thomery are 

 indebted for their success. The following are the processes 

 adopted : 



Suppression of the Superfluous Bunches. — Too large a 

 quantity of grapes upon the vine produces the same result as a 

 superabundance of fruit upon other trees. A great quantity of 

 grapes are gathered, but the clusters and the berries are small, 

 and the vines are enfeebled for the following year. If the neces- 

 sary retrenchments are made, the same result in weight is 

 obtained, and the grapes are larger, better flavored, and com- 

 mand a higher price. 



Thinning the Bunches. — "When the berries have attained the 

 first stages of development, it will be proper to thtn them. 



