132 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



There is no form in present use to which there are not 

 practical and theoretical objections. To obviate some 

 of these difficulties, I have conceived a modified form 

 of training, which I call the horizontal-branch system. It 

 will meet with criticism, and it may prove to be valueless. 

 I am aware of facts and theories which seem to be op- 

 posed to it. These I shall endeavor to state fairly, so that 

 no one may be misled by a theory, but rather may await 

 tha test of actual trial. I suggest the following mode : 

 Posts for a trellis are to be set in the rows twelve feet 

 apart, and sawed to a level, three feet above ground. To 

 the top of each post, and at right angles with the row, 

 nail a strip of wood one foot in length. Draw a wire 

 from post to post, fastening it by staples two inches from 

 the top of the posts. The ends of the strips at the top of 

 the posts should project an equal distance of six inches on 

 each side of the wire. Now draw two more wires, which 

 are to be secured by staples to each end of the strips. 

 Thus we shall have a horizontal trellis of three wires, the 

 middle wire being from two to three inches lower than 

 the two outer wires. A single arm, or horizontal cane, 

 is to be tied to the middle wire. The side wires, being 

 but six inches from the cane, and a little above it, will 

 give early support to the soft fruit-bearing shoots. The 



