FURTHER OBSERVATIONS 
138 
ning of rummer. All the fupernumerary (hoots (hould be rub- 
bed off as foon as they begin to (hoot in the fpring, and thofe 
only (liould be retained, which will be required either for 
fruit or fucceflion of wood. 
The Vines will be greatly benefited by being thus dif- 
burthened of all their unneceffary (hoots, which only tend to 
embarrafs them in the regular difpolition of the new wood. 
In the fummer pruning of Vines, the ufe of the knife 
(hould be avoided as much as po(fible ; it is far more eligible 
to pinch off the (hoots with the finger and the thumb. The 
acidity of the juices, which abound in the young (hoots of 
Vines, caufe an immediate tarnifh to enfue and appear on the 
blade of the knife ; and this, if not poifonous, proves very in- 
jurious by incorporating with the juices in the wounded part'. 
As all the different kinds of Vines are not diftinguilhable 
by the wood at the time of the winter pruning, a perfon, un- 
acquainted with the kinds, might eafily be led into an error, 
refpedting the proper fpace which ought to be allowed for the 
(hoots. If the wood (hould appear crouded, when the leaves 
are 
' The ancients were well aware of this circumftance. Virgil, in giving direc- 
tions for fummer pruning of Vines, exprefsly fays, 
“ Nor exercife thy rage on new-born life, 
“ But let thy hand fupply the pruning knife j 
“ And crop luxuriant ftragglers.” 
