CURRANT-GRAPE GROWING. 



11 



This ringing consists of making two parallel incisions through the 

 bark and cambium layer around either the trunk, the arms, or the 

 canes of the vines and completely taking out the bark and cambium 

 layer between the two parallel incisions. (PL V, fig. 1.) This does 

 not interfere with the upward flow of the sap through the outer ring 

 of undisturbed wood, but where the ringing occurs checks the return- 

 ing flow while the ringed place is healing. (PL V, fig. 2.) The 

 effects of ringing are a full setting of fruit and much larger berries 

 and clusters. (PL IV, figs. 1 and 2.) The ringing is done either 

 with. a large-bladed pocketknife or with special tools made for the 

 purpose (fig. 3). 



In ringing several factors need special consideration. The time 

 the ringing is done is a most important matter and is related to the 

 blooming period. If done either too early or too late, the desired 

 results will not be obtained. It is 

 best to do the ringing when the 

 clusters are partially in bloom or 

 in the middle of the blooming 

 period. The blooming period 

 being of relatively short dura- 

 tion (usually not more than 10 

 days) , when ringing on an exten- 

 sive scale it is advisable to start 

 just as the first flowers open and 

 continue ringing throughout the 

 blooming period. The effects on 

 fruit setting are noticeable with 

 vines ringed after they stop 

 blooming. 



The depth of the incisions is 

 also very important. They should 

 be made entirely through the 

 cambium layer, and the matter 



between the two incisions should be immediately and completely re- 

 moved. The results obtained will depend on the thoroughness of this 

 part of the operation. 



The width between the two parallel incisions is also an important 

 matter. The distance between' the incisions should be no wider than 

 is absolutely necessary to allow a narrow circlet of the bark and 

 cambium to be removed. On the arms and canes of vines a circlet 

 one-eighth of an inch wide is sufficient; for large arms and trunks 

 of vines a circlet one-fourth of an inch wide is necessary. If good 

 judgment is used in doing this work the circlet removed on the vines 

 ringed while in bloom should be completely healed over in six to 

 eight weeks, or by the time the grapes are ripe. 



Another important factor is the part of the vine to ring. The 

 effects on the vine are manifest, of course, only beyond the place of 



Fig. 3. — Some tools used in ringing vines. 



