Ti8 Vineyard Culture. 



2d. The result of early pruning, before winter, for 

 instance, is, as we have just said, to develop the growth 

 of the reserved shoots ten or fifteen days earlier than if 

 pruned in the middle of March. The consequence of 

 this is, that in localities exposed to late frosts, this early 

 budding subjects the plants to their injurious influence. 



From this, we conclude that pruning in January and 

 February will be advantageous : ist — in those localities 

 where the winters are mild, and the late frosts are not 

 of frequent occurrence ; 2d — for old vines, or for the 

 less hardy varieties, whose strength will be preserved 

 by forcing the sap to feed the reserved shoots exclu- 

 sively. For certain varieties whose overgrowth is in- 

 jurious to the quality and quantity of the product, for 

 those localities where late frosts are to be feared, and 

 the winters are severe, the pruning must be done in 

 March, and to the 15th of April. We must say, in 

 addition, that, whatever may be the time chosen, the 

 wood must never be cut when frozen. At such times, 

 pruning tears the wood, instead of cutting it, and the 

 eye below each cut suffers very much. 



[A very extended experience with the vine has induced 

 some of our best cultivators to adopt fall pruning, which they 

 pursue with very good eiFect. The cuttings are of greater 

 value, and may either be planted at once, or at least they can 

 be stored in suitable cellars and kept in better condition than 

 if left upon the vine, exposed to the inclemency of the 

 winter. 



Those who bury their vines to protect them from frost, will 

 find it a great advantage to have them trimmed first. 



To avoid injury to the last eye on the canes, care should be 

 taken to leave an inch or more of the internode beyond the 



