OCT.] GRAPES. 427 



The undermost shoots on the trellis, or those 

 placed nearest to the ground, and which were only 

 trained to the height of a few feet, (as directed in 

 April), must be shortened back to two or three 

 joints 5 it being a principal point in the training of 

 vines, always to provide for a supply of bottom 

 wood, and to keep young wood as near to the 

 ground, or lower parts of the plants, as possible. 



In pruning, cut generally at two inches above the 

 bud. Some cut nearer, even as near as half an inch, 

 which is apt to weaken the shoot of next season, 

 and sometimes to prevent its vegetating at all ; the 

 buds being very susceptible of injury, on account 

 of the soft and spongy nature of the wood. In the 

 cutting out of old wood, be careful to cut in a slop- 

 ing direction, and to smooth the edges of the wound, 

 in order to prevent its being injured by moisture. 



The pruning being finished, let the loose, shreddy, 

 outward rind on the old wood be carefully peeled 

 off, observing not to injure the sound bark, and 

 clear the trellis and branches of leaves, tendrils, &c. 

 Then carefully anoint the branches, shoots, and 

 trellis, with the liquor, and in the same manner as 

 directed for wall and espalier trees, in the Fruit 

 Garden for January. Thus preventing, as far as 

 possible, the return of insects next season, by the 

 destruction of their eggs * or larvae : A matter of 

 much importance in the management of all fruit- 

 trees under glass. 



* The red spider, in particular, is oviparous, and the greatest 

 enemy of the insect tribes we have in the hot-house. 



