GRAPES 183 



Pruning. An important part of the work in raising 

 grapes is the pruning of the vines. The old branches of 

 the vine that have borne fruit are cut back, leaving only 

 a short length with one or two buds which develop 

 the fruiting branches or canes which bear fruit the 

 following season. By pruning, the proper shape of the 

 vine is secured and the quality of the grapes is improved. 



QUESTIONS 



1. Where are the important grape-growing sections of the 

 United States ? 



2. What products are made from grapes ? 



3. What is the most important element of climate to be con- 

 sidered in determining the proper site for a vineyard ? 



4. By what means are grapevines supported ? 



5. How are raisins manufactured ? 



6. What varieties of grapes are grown in the locality in which 

 you live ? 



PRACTICAL EXERCISES 



1. In the fall after the leaves have fallen, cut off several 

 twigs, six to twelve inches long, from a vigorous grapevine. Tie 

 the twigs in a bundle and place them in a box of moist sand in 

 a cool cellar and keep them through the winter. In the spring 

 place the cuttings in mellow soil. Plant them a few inches 

 apart and at such a depth that only the buds at the upper end 

 are above ground. 



2. In the spring bend down a cane of a grapevine and fasten 

 in a shallow trench of mellow soil. A cane near the ground and 

 of the last season's growth should be selected. When shoots 

 from the buds are well started fill the trench with soil. Roots 

 will then form at the base of each shoot. In the following fall 



