Grapes. 



403 



FIRST YEAR. The plant having been cut down to two or three 

 eyes when set out, the strongest is trained to a single shoot, the 



Fig. 42.3- 



others being rubbed off. The tip should be pinched off after grow- 

 ing several feet, to strengthen the cane. 



SECOND YEAR. Last year's shoot being cut down to two or three 

 buds, or to a foot or more in height, the same course is to be pur- 

 sued ; but two shoots, instead of one, are to be grown from the two 

 upper buds. 



THIRD YEAR. If the vine is not very strong, cut down these 

 shoots again, and train two new and stronger ones from them, or cut 

 them back part way and raise shoots from the cut ends. If any fruit 

 bunches are produced, remove them early in the season. The best 

 rule to determine whether to cut back again the third year, is 

 obtained from the size of the canes, which should not be less than 

 half an inch in diameter. If fully of this size the trellis may be 

 erected, and the training of the vines upon them commenced. 



TRELLIS. Different modes of constructing trellis have been 



Fig. 424. Trellis with upright wires. 



adopted. It is not essential which is used, but the cheapest and 

 most durable is to be preferred. Fig. 424 represents the mode 



17 



