BOOK IV. xvii. 5-8 



said age requires three firm wood branches, rarely 

 four, which should be separated by the binder into as 

 many different parts. For it is of no use that the 6 

 frame is given ci'oss-pieces and made in the shape of 

 a star unless fruit-bearing branches are joined to it. 

 This arrangement, however, has not met the approval 

 of all husbandmen ; for many have been satisfied 

 with a plain straight line. But that vine is more 

 stable, both for supporting the burden of young 

 branches and for bearing its fruit, which, being bound 

 to the frame on both sides, is spread out in even 

 balance as if with a kind of anchors. Then too a \ine 

 that is supported on every side spreads its woody 

 branches over more arms and extends them more 

 easily than one which is crowded with many fruiting 

 canes on a simple " horse." However, if a vine is 7 

 not of wide spread or not very fruitful, and if it is in 

 a climate that is not turbulent and stormy, it may be 

 satisfied with a single frame. For where there is great 

 violence and onslaught of rains and storms, where 

 the vine is loosened by frequent downpours, where 

 it hangs, as it were, on steep hillsides and requires a 

 great many reinforcments, there it must be sup- 

 ported on every side, so to speak, by troops in square 

 formation. But in warm and drier places the frame 8 

 must be extended in every direction, so that the shoots, 

 as they creep forth on every side, may be joined and, 

 being matted together in the fashion of an arched 

 roof, may shade the thirsty earth. On the contrary, 

 in rainy and cold and frosty districts plain straight 

 row^s are to be put up ; for in that way the ground 

 is more readily warmed by the sun, and the fruit 

 is thoroughly I'ipened and has a more wholesome 

 ventilation ; also the diggers ply their hoes with 



393 



