Grape- Culture. 



207 



at the first joint, leaving one leaf only on each lateral. By this course, 

 instead of diffusing the strength of the vine among many small and weak 

 branches, we concentrate it upon one strong, vigorous cane, leading it gently 

 and without violence into its artificial and cultivated condition. By check- 

 ing the lateral growth, the vigor of the main cane is increased ; and the 

 one leaf left upon each lateral so checked strengthens the buds formed at 

 the axils of the leaves on the main stem, and also prevents them from 

 breaking prematurely. If the vine is of sufficient age and strength, these 



buds form the fruit-bearing branches, or spurs, of the next season. When 

 treated in this way, all the energies of the vine are directed towards the 

 production of fruit, and it comes into bearing two or three years sooner than 

 if left to run wild. A judicious application of these principles, extended 

 or modified according to varying circumstances, may be regarded as the 

 foundation of successful grape-growing. 



In the simplest vineyard-practice, if the one cane above described be of 

 suitable age and strength to bear, and be trained to a stake, it should be 

 shortened back at the fall or spring pruning to five or six or more buds, 

 according to its strength and habit, and bent in the form of a bow, tying 

 the tip downward. This bending checks tlie tendency of the upper buds 



