PRUNING GRAPE VINES. 127 



CHAPTER YIII. 



GENERAL THEORY AND PRACTICE OF PRUNING A3 AP- 

 PLIED to THE GRAPE VINE. 



In the preceding cliaj)ters we have given minute 

 directions for that particnkr system of pruning and 

 training, which we believe to be best adapted to our 

 native grapes. It is now our purpose to detail those 

 general principles which apply to all modes of prun- 

 ing and training, and to describe a few of those pecu- 

 liar systems which have been founded upon them. 



I. The first principle upon which all correct prun- 

 ing, whether of the vine or any other tree, must be 

 based, is that the sap always tends to the extremities 

 of the branches. 



From this, it follows that unless the balance be- 

 tween the roots and branches of the vine be care- 

 fully and accurately adjusted, all the lower portion 

 of the old wood will become devoid of spurs or bear-' 

 ing slioots, and unless the portion of the wall or trel- 

 lis over which it is trained is otherwise occupied, the 

 space will be left practically vacant. 



Experience has also shown that there is no practi 



