CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 123 



of leaf and branches will be too strong at ."the top; the 

 lower eyes will become weak ; and the quantity of fruit 

 will diminish, especially at the base. The more the vine 

 is coiled, and even bowed, the less this evil will be felt. 

 It may also be remedied by bringing up a renewal-cane 

 once in four or six years, whenever the old cane becomes 

 bare. This involves some waste of energy ; and the neces- 

 sity which requires it indicates an imperfect system. Yet 

 it is by no means a bad method ; indeed, it has some ad- 

 vantages over any other, and seems peculiarly suited to 

 some varieties. Its simplicity commends it, and the very 

 little amount of labor required in tying is another ad- 

 vantage. There is, however, considerable risk in allow- 

 ing the branches to hang unsupported. When they are 

 young and tender, they are liable to part from the vine 

 by their own weight, or by the force of a strong wind. 

 This objection, of course, will apply to every system where 

 there is no support for the branches. The distance apart 

 will depend upon the height of the posts, and may ex- 

 actly correspond. For instance, if the posts are six feet 

 high, the vines may be planted six by six ; or, if trained 

 to eight-feet posts, increase the distance to eight feet 

 each way. If the vines are carried above eight feet, the 

 rule will require modification, as the distances will not 



