Layering 



the open air it would have produced its fruit. 

 Why should it not still do this in the condition 

 in which it has been placed by the vine- 

 dresser, which in no way affects its connection 

 with the parent stock ? It is still in unin- 

 terrupted communication with the plant that 

 feeds it and receives its share of the rising sap 

 absorbed by its roots. The shoots that it has 

 retained will develop leaves, which, in the sun- 

 light, will transform this raw fluid into 

 nourishing sap. There is no reason why it 

 should not yield the same result that it would 

 have done if it had remained unburied. And, 

 indeed, the layer does bear fruit the same 

 year, producing a few bunches if it is well 

 cared for. However, under the influence of 

 the cool ground and the stimulant of the 

 manure, in time the adventitious roots 

 appear on the buried portion, become 

 numerous and strong, and the day arrives 

 when they are able to feed the young plant 

 without the assistance of the parent. It is in 

 the third year that the root becomes strong 

 enough for independent existence. Then 

 comes the weaning — the nursling is deprived 

 of its nurse by the knife separating the parent 

 stock from the layer now that the latter is able 

 to provide for itself. 



171 



