RATIONAL FRUIT CULTURE. Ill 



growth commences, and slinging it in a horizontal position, 

 or with its end slightly downward. The buds will then break 

 regularly along its whole length, and when they have done 

 so it can be tied up again. 



Fig. 46.— Vine slung down <rom the wlre> to make the buds break evenly. 

 MANAGEMENT OF THE BUNCHES. 



Many varieties set their fruit readily, but others need some 

 such assistance as tapping the rods, in order to scatter the 

 pollen. The berries swell rapidly until the seeding stage is 

 reached; then there is a pause, and afterwards growth is re- 

 sumed. Thinning should commence while they are quite 

 small. Except in very small bunches, probably two out of 

 every three grapes must be sacrificed, but, until experience 

 has been gained, it is safest not to cut out very many at one 

 time, always bearing in mind the fact that the shape of each 

 bunch must largely determine what should go and what should 

 remain. It is useless leaving any berries in the centre, as 

 they will not colour. A smooth-pointed stick should be used 

 for separating the difficult parts of a bunch to facilitate thin- 

 ning. Touching them with the hands causes "scalding" — 



