190 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



would have been necessary if the vine had been properly summer 

 pruned. 



No definite rule can be given that will be applicable in every 

 case ; for some vines will grow strong, and others weak ; some 

 disposed to tlirow out many branches, others few ; besides, each 

 difierent mode of training will require summer pruning consistent 

 with the plan adopted. 



In some modes of training it is found quite beneficial to pinch 

 off the end of the fruit-bearing branch three or four leaves beyond 

 the last bunch formed ; in other modes it would be very injudi- 

 cious. But in pruning as well as in all other operations in the 

 vineyard, the operator must fully understand what he wishes to 

 accomplish, knowing that certain causes will produce certain 

 results. Those who believe that nature is the best teacher, and 

 therefore leave their vines to ramble without check or restraint, 

 would do well to remember that our cultivated fruits are no 

 longer wild plants, but have, in a great measure, changed their 

 natures, and have become somewhat artificial and no longer in 

 their normal state. 



If we would look upon the various phenomena connected with 

 fruit culture, in this light, we should often be better pleased with 

 the results of our investigations, and more clearly comprehend 

 the causes of our many failures. 



John G. Bergen. — I have taken oj6f all the laterals of a vine 

 without starting a single one of next year's fruit buds, as has 

 been mentioned there is danger of. 



Wm. S. Carpenter. — I trimmed a Diana last year by pinching 

 out the buds of all the laterals, and have this year a fine crop of 

 grapes. In pinching out the laterals, care must be taken not to 

 pinch the fruit buds. 



Dr. Underhill. — It depends upon the richness of the soil about 

 summer pruning. If the soil is very rich, there is danger of the 

 first buds starting as soon as the laterals are pinched in. If the 

 laterals and leaders are both pinched off, the tendency will be, in 

 a strong, growing vine, to send out the fruit bud forming for next 

 year, so as to have the new grapes in autumn and no crop next 

 year. The Isabella will not bear the forcing cultivation given 

 to hot-house vines. In moderately fertile soil, the Isabella Avill 

 bear pinching in pretty closely, but not upon highly fertilized 

 vineyards. I do not, of late, stop the growth of my Isabellas. 

 My Isabella grapes are much better, as a general thing, than 



