i 
continue ringing throughout the 
CURRANT-GRAPE GROWING. et 
This ringing consists of making two parallel incisions through the 
bark and cambium layer around either the trunk, the arms, or the 
canes of the vines and completely taking out the bark and cambium 
layer between the two parallel incisions. (PI. V, fig. 1.) This does 
not interfere with the upward flow of the sap through the outer ring 
of undisturbed wood, but where the ringing occurs checks the return- 
ing flow while the ringed place is healing. (PI. V, fig. 2.) The 
effects of ringing are a full setting of fruit and much larger berries 
and clusters. (Pl. IV, figs. 1 and 2.) The ringing is done either 
with a large-bladed pocketknife or with special tools made for the 
purpose (fig. 3). 
In ringing several factors need special consideration. The time 
the ringing is done is a most important matter and is related to the 
blooming period. If done either too early or too late, the desired 
results will not be obtained. ~It is 
best to do the ringing when the 
clusters are partially in bloom or 
in the middle of the. blooming 
period. The blooming period 
being of relatively short dura- 
tion (usually not more than 10 
days), when ringing on an exten- 
sive scale it 1s advisable to start 
just as the first flowers open and 
blooming period. The effects on 
fruit setting are noticeable with 
vines ringed after they stop 
blooming. 
The depth of the incisions is 
also very important. They should 
be made entirely through the Fic. 3.—Some tools used in ringing vines. 
cambium layer, and the matter 
between the two incisions should be immediately and completely re- 
moved. The results obtained will depend on the thoroughness of this 
part of the operation. 
The width between the two parallel incisions is also an important 
matter. The distance between the incisions should be no wider than 
is absolutely necessary to allow a narrow circlet of the bark and 
cambium to be removed. On the arms and canes of vines a circlet 
one-eighth of an inch wide is sufficient; for large arms and trunks 
of vines a cirelet one-fourth of an inch wide is necessary. If good 
judgment is used in doing this work the circlet removed on the vines 
ringed while in bloom should be completely healed over in six to 
eight weeks, or by the time the grapes are ripe. 
Another important factor is the part of the vine to ring. The 
effects on the vine are manifest, of course, only beyond the place of 
