Pruning the Vine. 



121 



The size of this instrument must depend on the size of 

 the plants to be cut. 



[Fig. 26.] — Vine Prun- [Fig. 27.] — Vine Prun- 



ing-Knife. ing'-Shears. 



The numerous trials which have been made, for the 

 past thirty years, no longer leave any doubt as to 

 the advantage of the pruning-shears over the bill or 

 knife, for vine-pruning. It can be used much more 

 rapidly, and writh less fatigue to the laborer. It is ob- 

 jected, it is true, that this instrument bruises the plants 

 somewhat, and that it does not make so neat a cut as 

 the bill or knife ; but if it is very sharp, and the blade 

 sufficiently curved — if, in a word, care is taken always 

 to have the dull blade, or hook, above,* this defect will 

 be scarcely perceptible, and will be largely compensated 

 by the rapidity with which the work is done. Besides, 

 the bruising is of little consequence, since it is neces- 

 sary, in all cases, to cut the stems from four-tenths to 



*The hook is held above in pruning, that it may not crush the portions 

 left on the vine ; in making our cuttings with the shears, the implement is 

 held so that the hook shall press upon the portion that is rejected. 

 II 



