BOOK IV. xxiv. 2-4 



the heavens. And since these different directions 

 possess qualities that are contrary to one another, 

 they also require a different arrangement in the 

 parts of the vine according to the circumstances of 

 their situation. Therefore those arms which are 

 exposed to the north should receive the fewest 

 wounds, and the more so if they are pruned at the 

 onset of cold weather, by which the scars are blasted. 

 And so only one firm wood branch next to the frame 3 

 is to be allowed to grow, and one reserve branch 

 below it to renew the vine presently for a year. But, 

 conversely, more rods should be set apart for growth 

 toward the south, to shade their mother as she 

 suffers from the summer heat and not allow the fruit 

 to wither before it comes to maturity. In the 

 pruning of the east and west sides there is no very 

 great difference, because the vines receive the sun 

 for an equal number of hours in each quarter. The 4 

 limit, therefore, of firm wood branches will be that 

 which the fertility of the ground and of the stem 

 itself shall prescribe. 



The above must be observed in general, and the 

 following in particular. For, to begin at the lowest 

 part of the vine, as at the foundation, so to speak, 

 the earth around the shank should always be laid 

 open with a small mattock. And if any offspring 

 which country people call a stiffrago or " sucker," 

 clings to the roots, it must be carefully pulled up 

 and cut off smoothly with the knife, so that it may 

 repel the rains of winter ; for it is better to tear 

 off a shoot that sprouts forth afterward from the 



... ex viilnere om. et post vellere insert.) c3I : postea 

 vellere om. SA : vulnere sobolem (postea om.) edd. 



411 



