228 



THE GRAPE 



then cut off and the two upper canes are trained hori- 

 zontally along one of the wires and forms the arms. All 

 other canes should be removed so soon as they start growth. 

 There are two ways of fastening the arms to the supports : 

 Some growers prefer to cut the stem short and train the arm 

 to the first wire. The future branches can then grow up and 

 be fastened to the upper wires. Some other growers prefer 

 to have the stem long so it will reach the top wire and the 

 future branches will hang down. Either system can be 

 used according to the choice of the grower. 



Fig. 101. — Upright renewal system of training the grape. 



The Overhead System. — The overhead system is only 

 adapted for small areas of grapes around the home. It is 

 nothing more than the common grape arbor. In many 

 sections it is fast disappearing and is being replaced by the 

 other methods of training. However, there are certain places 

 where the grape can be satisfactorily trained by this method. 

 The overhead system is supported by a trellis made by 

 placing posts in the ground 8 to 10 feet apart. The posts are 

 usually 8 or 9 feet long and set in the ground 2 or 3 feet. The 

 posts are set in two rows and each post opposite the other. 

 A 2 x 4 is then nailed across the top of two posts. When this 

 frame is completed strips 1x2 inches are nailed along the 

 sides and over the top of the frame. These strips should 

 be at least 2 feet apart. 



Harvesting and Packing. — The grape should not be picked 

 until it is fully ripe for use in the home or for making wine. 



