THE GRAPE IN KANSAS. 



101 



On the canopy trellis, all the summer pruning required is to go through the 

 vineyard at or a few days before blooming time, and with a light, sharp butcher- 

 knife clip off the tips of all advanced shoots to be left for bearing, leaving two 

 or three leaves beyond the outer flower cluster. From the shoots near the crotch, 

 selected for bearing arms the next year, pick the flower clusters, and strip off or 

 rub off all shoots and buds that start on trunk of vine below crotch. This latter 

 is very important, as such shoots, if left, eat up the nourishment of the land, 

 with no return but added work at pruning time. 



It will be found that the shoots at the ends of the arms usually start first and 

 strongest, and if not clipped back, will not allow the buds back toward the crotch 

 to start well ; but if clipped, all other desirable buds then push. 



In about six to ten days after first clipping, a second one is usually neces- 

 sary, especially if the weather is moist and warm and the land rich. The first 

 clipped shoots, as well as the new ones, will need clipping back this time, the 

 end buds on the first clipped having pushed vigorously. 



SOME ADVANTAGES OF THE MUNSON TRELLIS. 



See illustration on page 102. 



1. It accommodates the nature of the vine, by furnishing a leafy, well- 

 ventilated canopy over fruit, vine, and root, and allows the fruit to hang in free 

 air, so no chafing occurs against wires, or post, or vine. 



2. It puts the work of pruning, tying, spraying and harvesting in the most 

 convenient position possible to save backache and do the work most expedi- 

 tiously, with the least inconvenience, and permits passing from row to row 

 through the vineyard, at any point, by slightly stooping. 



3. It allows more readily of cultivation than any other continuous trellis. 



4. It permits free circulation of air and wind-storms, thus keeping the ground 

 better aerated in wet weather, helping to restrain diseases, and avoiding blow- 

 ing down of trellis ; hence enabling it to last longer. The sheet of leafy vine, 

 being held horizontally and edgewise to the winds, gives little resistance, and 

 furnishes even exposure of the fruit to light, heat, and air; hence secures even 

 ripening. 



5. In cold climates, where vines have to be covered in winter, it permits the 

 vine, as soon as pruned, to be readily laid down to be covered, and easily raised 

 to be tied up in spring. 



AGRICULTURAL 

 LIBRARY, 



UNIVERSITY 



CALIFORNIA. 



