162 THE FLORIST AND 
produced, thereby making the operation into a rule. There is no doubt 
that many conscientiously believe such a system to be judicious, and 
because their crops are satisfactory to themselves, they continue on the same 
practice without further consideration ; but this does not close up the 
avenue for free discussion, neither does it prove that it is the ultimatum of 
perfection. If we pursue the investigation of this matter in a physiological 
manner, we are led to understand that all summer pruning tends to lessen 
the vigor, and cripple the energy of all plants, and practical experience 
combined with observation proves the fact. Arguing from this point I may 
be accused of advocating no summer pruning at all, to which I would say, 
not guilty. If the greatest extension of branches, and corresponding roots, or 
bulk of timber were the object, then the less pruning the better, but the 
present position is a consideration of circumstances, and adaptability, 
independent, to a certain extent, of Nature's action, the object being to coax 
her to accomodate herself to our conveniences, and as the grape vine is one 
of the most easily trained of her family, we have, in this case a partial 
control. We ought then to consider what we are doing, and how far we are 
acting in unison with what is known to be established laws, and that to 
infringe too far upon which, is sure to produce evil. This or that man's 
dogmatical opinion must certainly fail, unless it be based upon this undis- 
putable certainty; where is the use of following this "should be," or that 
"ought to be," unless somewhat in accordance with these natural demands. 
Yet we find a prolific and luxuriant plant such as the grape vine is, 
stubbed in, cut close, and sheared like a convict, it might be said, shaved too, 
ibr the pinching back to an eye above the fruit is nearly tantamount to that 
close operation. The reason given for this peculiar treatment is that the 
fruit, and also the plant is strengthened by it. How, would it strengthen 
one's toes by cutting off a finger, supposing another would grow in its place, 
or would an animal produce the finer offspring if the body were to be 
mutilated. It is just possible that an amount of gangrene would be the 
consequence, but as to truly healthful action, it is feasible that we should 
be none the gainers. Perhaps this kind of analogy may be thought a very 
vulgar way of explaining what might be shown in more delicate words ; but 
of course the true meaning is purposely exhibited to show up the ridiculous- 
ness of curtailing nature further than there is occasion for. As stated above, 
the subject is a matter of circumstances, we have to do with a family of 
plants that would occupy a great volume of surface, yet we wish to have a 
large aumber, comparatively speaking, in a small space, and the best we 
€an do is not to weaken natural energy more than there is occasion for. 
