CULTIVATION. 217 



The frame as described costs about 6d. to 7d. per plant ; 

 though, if the great durabihty of the iron posts be dis- 

 regarded and their place filled with wooden ones, the 

 primary outlay may be reduced by about half. 



It has already been admitted that under certain bircum- 

 stances the 'Hermann and other low-frame systems caii be 

 successfully employed. For guidance in using his system 

 Hermann recommends the following precautions : — 



1. Eestricted manuring, especially with nitrogenous ferti- 

 lisers. The reason for this is evident in view of the necessity 

 for checking the growth of the plants. 



Fig. 58. — Ground-plan of Hermann's system of training. 



2. Pruning, i.e., removing all laterals below the head 

 wires, in order to induce more vigorous development in those 

 that are left at the top. This precaution, also practised to a 

 smaller extent in other methods of cultivation, is especially 

 advisable in the Hermann system, because any cones that 

 might be produced on the lower laterals would be more or 

 less unfit for use owing to the shade of the leafy cover above. 



3. Topping the bines, by cutting off the tip of the stem 

 as soon as the length reaches 16 to 17 feet, or at least when 

 it arrives at the position of the adjacent plant on the head 



