146 



FURTHER OBSERVATIONS 



down to two, three, or four eyes, as occasion may 

 require. And that when these extend too far from 

 the principal shoots, which they will do in time by 

 their annual progress, it will be proper to cut them 

 entirely away : but previous to this, it will always be 

 necessary to make a reserve of fresh shoots to supply 

 their places. 



When strong old wood, that is, shoots of four or 

 five years' growth, are to be cut away from any 

 part of a Vine, the operation should be performed 

 with a sharp knife, and the shoot should be cut off 

 close to the bottom, that, when the part skins over, 

 it may become smooth, and not left to grow ragged, 

 as is but too generally practised. 



By the common methods of pruning Vines, the 

 bole and large branches generally grow rough, 

 ragged, and unsightly ; and when Vines have long 

 been under an injudicious management of this sort, 

 it is hardly possible to reclaim them. But by due 

 care, and discreet management afterwards, it will 

 not be difficult to keep the bole and large branches 

 of Vines smooth, and of an agreeable appearance. 

 I constantly peel off as much of the bark as can be 

 gotten without injuring the Vines, and then wash 

 the branches with strong soap suds ; to be applied 

 with a soft brush, such as is used for common 

 painting : the time of winter-pruning is the most 

 eligible season to perform this operation, as then 

 the Vines will not be in danger of bleeding. The 

 soap suds are not only useful for giving the Vines a 

 smooth and glossy appearance, but are also effica- 



