CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 147 



second year in a single coat, proves a perfect protection 

 against rust. 



In regard to the horizontal form of trellis, while I have 

 great confidence in the theory, and hope and believe it 

 will have practical merit, yet it is to be remembered that 

 it has not stood the test of trial. Some defect or objec- 

 tion* may be found. Many are fond of experiment, how- 

 ever, and are willing to venture a moderate risk as the price 

 of progress. In a previous chapter, the height of a hori- 

 zontal trellis was suggested as three feet. This was with 

 a view of letting the branches arch down over the outside 

 wires. It is also high enough to give space for the hoe. 

 Possibly it may be found, upon trial, that it will be ad- 

 vantageous to bring the trellis six or more inches nearer 

 the ground. This will undoubtedly hasten the maturity, 

 and otherwise benefit the fruit, provided there are no 

 practical difficulties in the way of cultivation. The con- 

 struction of this trellis is very simple. The posts being 

 sawed to the desired height of two and a half or three 

 feet, the centre wire may pass directly over the tops : a 

 cross-piece, from twelve to sixteen inches in length, is then 

 nailed to the top of each post, at right angles to the wire. 

 The two outer wires can then be secured at each end of 

 the strips, equally distant from the centre wire, and about 



