BOOK IV. XX. 2-5 



bent and misshapen do not offer equally smooth paths,*^ 

 because knots obstruct, and the bend itself, like 

 rough places in a road, checks the passage of moisture 

 from the earth. Therefore when the vine is drawn 3 

 straight up to the top of the stake, it is fastened with a 

 band so that, when weighed down with its offspring, 

 it may not sag and become bent. Then from that 

 point where that which is nearest to the frame is 

 tied, its arms are arranged in different directions, 

 and the branches which are placed upon the frame 

 are bent downward in a curve, and what hangs from 

 the frame is filled with fruit ; on the other hand, the 

 bend puts forth firm wood next to the band. Some 4 

 spread out upon the frame that part which we bend 

 down, and hold it fast by tying it with withes closely 

 set ; but I consider these not at all worthy of approval. 

 For rains and frosts and hail do not harm hanging 

 branches as much as those which are bound and, so 

 to speak, exposed to stormy weather. Still, those 

 same branches should be tied before the fruit mellows, 

 while the grapes are still of different colours and 

 sour, so that they may be less likely to rot with the 

 dews or to be pillaged by winds or wild beasts. 

 Along the main path and the bypaths the branches 5 

 should be bent inward, that they may not be injured 

 by brushing against those who pass by. And by this 

 method certainly the vine is brought to the frame at 

 the proper time. For a vine that is weak or short 

 must be cut back to two eyes, so that it may put 



" The translation attempts to preserve the figure in some 

 measure; but the text {nllidunhir) seems doubtful. Gesner"s 

 interpretation, accepted by Schneider and perhaps correct, is 

 that the flow of sap in the vine is compared, in allidtmtur, to 

 the beating of waves on a shore. 



399 



