

PROPER PERIOD FOR PRUNING. 277 



north of Lyons ; for if done in the fall it would be necessary 

 to leave an extra bud, from a calculation that the upper one 

 would be destroyed by frost or otherwise injured. It is of 

 importance where a vineyard comprises many varieties whose 

 period of maturity differs, to prune the late kinds soonest in 

 order to accelerate their shooting. 



Mr. Le Ray de Chauniont deems it the best time to prune 

 the vine in this part of our country when the hardest frosts are 

 passed, which in this latitude is about the fifth to the tenth of 

 March, and still later at the north, and earlier to the south. 

 Others deem the fall the preferable period, and when so much 

 difference of opinion exists, it would be well for everyone who 

 has an extensive vineyard at stake, to make experiments on a 

 few vines at each season so as to decide for himself. If the 

 autumn is preferred, it should be performed after the wood is 

 well matured and the leaves have fallen, and on a fine dry day. 



Berneaud says that autumnal or early winter pruning is im- 

 prudent in the colder latitudes, as by advancing the vegeta- 

 tion it renders the vines more liable to be injured by frost, 

 and that it should be deferred until the freezing season is past. 

 He recommends the first half of March as the best period for 

 vineyards in the central and northern French departments, 

 and for countries of similar temperature. 



The following article on the subject, is from the pen of the 

 very intelligent secretary of the Maryland society for promoting 

 the vine culture, J. C. S. Monkur, Esq. 



" It is often asked us, when it is the proper time for pruning 

 grape vines ? We observe in the works upon the vine, a great 

 discrepancy of opinion on this particular part of its culture. 

 That this is an all important procedure to the health, duration, 

 and profit of the vine, no one can contend to the contrary ; 

 but we are inclined to believe, that the great stress urged on 

 the particular time it should be done, does not deserve the 

 consideration which has been given it. In accordance with 

 our observation, the time bears but little relation in importance 

 to the manner of its performance, provided we shall have it 

 finished before the commencement of the circulation of the 



