CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 129 



the branches unquestionably counteracts, to some extent 1 , 

 the horizontal influence of the arms : it induces growth 

 at the extremities of the branches, and tends to enfeeble 

 the dormant fruiting- eyes of the succeeding season. 

 This is the theoretical tendency. To what degree this 

 will result in evil has not yet been proved in this coun- 

 try. It is a well-established feet, that the best table- 

 grapes are thus grown in France, and that they have 

 been thus grown with admirable success in this country ; 

 and it is manifest that the plan combines many advan- 

 tages. Yet these facts by no means establish as true that 

 it has no practical or theoretical defects. It should be 

 borne in mind that the climate of France is dryer than 

 our own, and the tendency to wood-growth is consequent- 

 ly less than with us ; so that the upright position of the 

 laterals may be much less objectionable in France than in 

 our Atlantic States. Theoretically it will be a rule, that 

 countries which have the least amount of rain fall during 

 the growing season will suffer least from the counteract- 

 ing effect of the upright branches. In such dry climates, 

 there is little danger of excessive wood-growth. I ques- 

 tion the principle of two arms, as being less simple and 

 less manageable, especially in cold latitudes, where it is 

 desirable to lay down the vines and cover them in the 

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