CLIPPING AND TOPPING OF THE VINE. 279 



until the black frost is over ; and it should only be done when 

 the weather is fair, dry, and without appearance of rain. After 

 the sap begins to circulate, it is improper to prune the vines, 

 unless such as are sprouting too luxuriantly, and which re- 

 quire to be weakened ; those in a proper condition it weakens 

 too much ; they seem exhausted and yield only poor fruit,' 

 However, in despite of the directions before us, we have for 

 these six years pruned~p. large collection, both of foreign and 

 native vines, for cuttings for the gratification of friends, in 

 every week, from the fall of the leaf to the middle of March, 

 without having from very close attention, even observed any 

 injury done ; and therefore feel satisfied, that it can be per- 

 formed safely at any time after the complete fall of. the leaf, 

 until immediately previous to the circulation of the sap, which 

 effect, sooner or later takes place, according to climate, situa- 

 tion, and disposition of the vines. This process we discover, 

 usually happens in this state, from the beginning to the middle 

 of March, yet we are aware that certain species of the vine, 

 are more forward and begin vegetation earlier from disposition 

 and situation than others ; but it will be in time, if pruning 

 be done in Maryland and the other southern states, the last 

 week in February or the first in March ; but by no means 

 should it be delayed longer than the middle of March. It is 

 the manner of pruning that deserves our serious and attentive 

 consideration ; for on its correctness, doubtless, very much 

 of our future success depends." 







Clipping and topping of the vine. 



One of the operations of the summer pruning takes place 

 after the fruit is formed, and is called clipping. It is intend- 

 ed to remove the superfluous shoots, in order to throw the 

 strength into those bearing fruit, and it also affords more air 

 to the plant. In performing it, the useless branches should be 

 pruned close to the stalk, but the laterals should be taken off 

 between the first and second joint, and in no case should they 

 be twisted off or broken. Where two or more shoots come out 

 at one joint, but one of them should be suffered to remain* 



