€hap. 87.] 
THE DI&EASES OE TREES. 
517 
a method of cultivation, will very soon degenerate to a wild 
state. 
The vine that is thus trained requires the ground to be 
ploughed very deep, though such is not the case for the sowing 
there of grain. It is not customary to cut away the leaves 
in this case, which, of course, is so much labour spared. 
The trees themselves require pruning at the same period 
as the vine, and are thinned by clearing away all useless 
branches, and such parts as would only absorb the nutriment. 
"We have already stated that the parts that are lopped should 
never look north or south : and it will be better still, if they 
have not a western aspect. The wounds thus made are very 
susceptible for a considerable time, and heal with the greatest 
difficulty, if exposed to excesses of cold or heat. The vine 
when trained on a tree enjoys advantages that are not pos- 
sessed by the others ; for the latter have certain fixed aspects, 
while in the former, it is easy to cover up the wounds made 
in pruning, or to turn them whichever way you please. When 
trees are pruned at the top, cup-like cavities should be formed^^ 
there, to prevent the water from lodging. 
CHAP. 36. HOW GBAPES AEE PROTECTED FEOM THE EAVAGES 
OF IlfSECTS. 
Stays, too, should be given to the vine for it to take hold of 
and climb upwards, if they are taller than it. (24.) Espaliers^^ 
for vines of a high quality should be cut, it is said, at the 
Qainquatria,"^^ and when it is intended to keep the grapes, 
while the moon is on the wane. We are assured, moreover, 
that those which are cut at the change of the moon, are exempt 
from the attacks of all insects.''^ According to another system, 
it is said that vines should be pruned by night at full moon, 
and while it is in Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, or Taurus : and 
that, in general, they ought to be planted either when the 
moon is at full or on the increase. In Italy, ten workmen 
will suffice for one hundred jugera of vineyard. 
CHAP. 37. — THE DISEASES OF TEEES. 
Having now treated sufficiently at length of the planting 
^ In c. 16 of this Book. To drain tlie upper part of the tree. 
70 pergulas. See B. xiv. c. 3. 
See B. xviii, c. 56. These, of course, are mere superstitious. 
Animalium. 
