p. RUBENS UPON THE VINE AND ITS TREATMENT. 



313 



vine may Lave proportionally more wood than in light and hot 

 soil. 



It must bo observed that the cut is not so close to a bud as to 

 prevent the drying out of the wood. Fig. 16 represents a pruning- 

 knife ; Figs. 17, 18, and 19, shears which are successfully used. 

 For trimming of old and dead wood a little saw should be used, 

 Fi'j. 20. ^ 



The time when the pruning should take place depends much 

 upon the vine itself, partly upon climate and soil. The pruning 

 of the vines after grape-gathering is in many places customary. 

 In warm climates, where grape-vines will not suffer from frost, the 

 pruning in autumn is certainly preferable. 



Propping the Vines. 



This work should commence immediately after pruning. The 

 props should be placed from four to six inches from the vines, in 

 order not to injure the roots. As the wood of the vines is most 

 tough after a rain, it should be tied then. If vines are pruned in 

 autumn, this work is suspended until spring. 



The first Cultivation of the Soil. 



The first cultivation should begin in the spring, when the weeds 

 have made their appearance. The intention of this work is to 

 loosen the soil, in order that the heat and air may penetrate it. 

 The depth of cultivation depends upon the state of the roots. If 

 they are deep, it is better to cultivate from eight to nine inches 

 deep than only from five to six. The turning of the surface is 

 very beneficial, and at the same time will cause the extermination 

 of weeds. 



Spring Pruning. 



The time of this work depends upon the development of the 

 young shoots. For instance, if they are about four inches long, 

 it certainly must be done before the blooming commences. It 

 should always be done during dry weather. All young shoots 

 which bear no fruit, or are not destined for the next season, are 

 broke out. To break off the side shoots is injurious to the vine, 

 as well as to the development of the grapes. 



Ringing the Vines. 



Fig. 21. 



This is done sim- 

 ilar as with fruit- 

 trees. It consists in 

 this point, that the 

 bark of a grape- 

 vine is cut around 

 twice, nearly one 

 quarter of an inch 

 apart, without in- 



