5^ American Grape Training. 



grew is now occupied by Concords, which are as 

 vigorous and productive as those grown upon newer 

 soils. WiUiam Kniffin died at his home in CHnton- 

 dale, Ulster county, New York, June 13, 1876, at 

 fifty-seven years of age. The portrait is from a 

 photograph which was taken two or three years 

 before his death. 



The True or Four-Cane Kniffin System. — Figure 21 

 shows the true Kniffin system, very nearly as 

 practiced by its originator. A single stem or trunk 

 is carried directly to the top wire, and two canes are 

 taken out from side spurs at each wire. Mr. 

 Kniffin believed in short canes, and cut them 

 back to about six buds on both wires. But most 

 growers now prefer to leave the upper canes 

 longer than the lower ones, as seen in illustration. 

 The bearing shoots are allowed to hang at will, 

 OS ' that no summer tying is necessary ;, this is the 

 distinguishing mark of the various Kniffin systems. 

 The main trunk is tied to each wire, and the canes 

 are tied to the wires in spring. This system pos- 

 sesses the great advantage, therefore, of requiring 

 little labor during the busy days of the growing 

 season ; and the vines are easily cultivated, and if 

 the rows are nine or ten feet apart, currants or 

 other bush-fruits can be grown between. The sys- 

 tem is especially adapted to the strong varieties of 

 grapes. For further comparisons of the merits of 

 different systems of training, the reader should con- 

 sult Chapter II. 



