40 MARKET NURSERY WORK 



fifth joint, and the temptation to retain a bunch or two is 

 always great ; but the great consideration for this year is the 

 conservation of energy for the building up of the vine, and even 

 a single bunch of fruit will use up a great deal that ought to be 

 conserved to ensure future productivity. 



To ensure sufficient leafage to maintain the full vigour of the 

 vine, these main breaks should be allowed to grow to about 

 12 inches before being stopped, and all laterals or sub-laterals 

 growing thereafter from them be limited to one, or not more 

 than two leaves. The main top growth is the only exception, 

 and this must be left to grow freely to a considerable length 

 before stopping, and at pruning time it will be headed back, 

 leaving 2j to 3 feet of the current season's growth, according 

 to the stoutness and ripeness of the wood. 



Throughout, the " growing" conditions of the preceding year 

 must be maintained, and red spider be kept away by the regular 

 use of the syringe. 



There is as yet no need to feed the vines, because, relieved of 

 the strain of bearing fruit, the native vigour of the plants, 

 finding all it needs in the well-prepared compost, does not call 

 for any stimulant ; but the watering must be a matter for great 

 care, seeing that the root system is as yet somewhat limited. 



THIRD YEAR 



This year is all-important ; the vines have to give their first 

 fruits and will call for closer and more intensive cultivation. 

 It is as yet no question of forcing, as this is not permissible 

 until the canes have acquired their full allotted length. The 

 pruning assumes a greater importance. The main top growth 

 must be shortened back to where the wood is unquestionably 

 ripe and to a full, plump eye, and the side shoots must be cut 

 hard back to a well-developed eye at their base. This pruning 

 should be done with a sharp knife, for we entertain a strong 

 dislike to the pinching and bruising caused by the ordinary 

 half -blunt secateurs. After pruning, bend the rods over as 

 advised in the second year to ensure an even " break," and as 

 the buds swell rub off all that are superfluous, leaving the best 

 and strongest to grow. Probably every satisfactory break 



