PRUNING AND TRAINING. 127 
discussion, neither does it prove that it is the ultimatum 
of perfection. If we pursue the investigation of this mat- 
ter in a physiological manner, we are led to understand 
that all summer pruning tends to aoe the vigor, and 
cripple the aged of all plants; and practical experience, 
combined with observation, proves the fact. Arguing 
from this a. we may be accused of advocating no sum- 
mer pruning at all, to which we say,~ not guilty.” If 
the greatest extension of branches and corresponding 
roots, or bulk of timber were the object, then the less 
pruning the better, but the present position is a consider- 
ation of circumstances and adaptability, independent, to a 
certain extent, of nature’s action; the object being to 
coax her to accommodate herself to our conveniences ; and 
as the grape vine is one of the most easily trained of her 
family we have, in this case, a partial control. We ought 
then, to consider what we are doing, and how far we are 
acting in unison with what are known to be established 
laws, and to infringe too far upon these is sure to produce 
evil. This or that man’s dogmatieal opinion must cer- 
tainly fail unless it be based upon this indisputable cer- 
tainty,—where is the use of following this-should-be, 
or that ought-to-be, unless somewhat in accordance with 
these natural demands. Yet we find a prolific and luxu- 
riant plant, such as the grape-vine is, stubbed in, cut 
‘elose,and sheared like a convict,—we were near saying 
shaved too, for the pinching back to one eye above the 
_ fruit is nearly tantamount to that close operation. The 
reason given for this _hnesineommes is, thatthe fiuit, 
and also the plant, i is strengthened by it. How bina! 
a tn oe aon if lemons : 
S : Rabe e ae) 
