346 Terminology of the Vine. 



TERMINOLOGY OF THE VINE. 



It were well, that, in our discussions and writings, we could all agree as 

 to the precise meaning of the several terms by which we designate the 

 different patts of a grape-vine.' By so doing, and by adopting a few clear 

 and well-defined expressions, we might be enabled to avoid much of the 

 confusion that exists, and thus clear away the fog that beginners complain 

 of as greatly obscuring the subject, which, indeed, is really very simple, and 

 should be easily understood by the merest novice in grape-culture. 



With a view to aid in so good a work, I shall endeavor to present to the 

 readers of this Journal some terms that have been adopted by Dr. Mohr, 

 a portion of whose writings has recently been presented to the American 

 reader by Orange Judd & Co., as a translation by Dr. Seidhoff of Wee- 

 hawken, N. J., under the simple title of " The Grape-Vine." This neat 

 little book is recommended for its simplicity, and for the directness of its 

 teachings : but it must not be expected that I should indorse all that it 

 contains, because my observations of American vines have not enabled me 

 to verify all the author's statements ; although their correctness in regard 

 to the foreign varieties is not called in question. The discrepancies only 

 furnish further evidence that we must continue to make original observa- 

 tions upon the peculiarities and deportment of our own vines, and adopt 

 a mode of trimming, training, and culture, thoroughly adapted to each of 

 them, rather than to follow blindly the teachings of any foreign vine-dresser, 

 how practical and learned soever he may be in regard to the habits and 

 ways of those varieties with which he is familiar. 



The definitions of Dr. Mohr are simple, and they strike me as well wor- 

 thy of being generally adopted. These and perhaps some other expressions 

 will be presented in this article, in hope of having them adopted by our 

 people, so that we may all understand one another better. Let us now 

 proceed to a consideration of the several parts of the vine. 



The Shoot. — All the growth by extension made during one year is 

 designated by this title during the period of its growth and perfection, from 

 the time of its starting out of the bud until it has cast its foliage. Whether 

 the growth bear fruits or leaves only ; whether it start out from the old wood 



