134 
AMERICAN POMOIyOGlCAI* SOCIETY 
Discussion. 
President Goodman: I will ask Mr. Husmann to remain here on the plat- 
form so that if you want to ask him any questions you can do so. He has 
given us a wonderful story of the past, the conditions of the present, and the 
possibilities of the future of viticulture in the United States. Any part 
of this discussion or any part of this paper now that you would like to ask 
a question about, please ask him while we have this matter under con- 
sideration. 
Question: I want to ask if the results of those fruiting experiments 
in New Jersey you spoke of have been published. 
Mr. Husmann: Work on a publication of that kind is in progress now. 
President Goodman: Was Ottawa and other points in Canada included 
in the statement of the different districts mentioned, or had you reference 
to the United States only? 
Mr. Husmann: This country only. I would say, however, that in 
portions of Canada they have a very decided grape industry, especially on 
Lake Erie, in which results compare favorably with others elsewhere. 
Mr. Lazenby: I would like to ask Mr. Husmann if he does not think 
the method of raising the grape in California, which is very much like 
that in France, as I understand it, that is; planting vines close together and 
pruning closely, does not render them more susceptible to the phylloxera 
and that the methods adopted elsewhere in this country are better; that 
is, allowing them greater distance and letting them grow more naturally 
as they do? Is the phylloxera not found more generally where that close 
system of planting is practiced? 
Mr. Husmann: That cuts no ice in regard to the phyllozera. The 
phylloxera is an insect which attacks and works on the roots of the vine. 
Mr. Lazenby: Oh, I understand that, of course, but what I wanted to 
know was if the vine is not made more susceptible by that method of 
treatment. Now I understand that the phylloxera attacks the weakest Vines; 
there can be no question about that, I think; and is not it a fact that this 
overcrowding and very close pruning, wherever they affect the grape crop, 
is an inducing cause. 
Mr. Husmann: That is not the case in California. Vines are grown 
as far, if not farther, apart on an average in California than in the eastern 
vineyards, and the results are not due to close pruning. The principle under- 
lying correct grape pruning is the same throughout the world. It makes 
no odds what method is followed — whether it is the spur, cane, two or four 
arm renewal, block system or overhead — they are all based on the renewal 
system. The vine, when permitted to do so, bears its fruit on shoots from 
the last year’s wood growth; therefore, the cardinal point underlying all 
correct pruning, be the method of training what it may, is first to grow and 
shape or adjust the main body or permanent part of the vine to the 
method of training desired. After this has been done the fruit-bearing part 
of the plant should be so pruned that it will be renewed from year to year; 
never allowing the plant to overbear but making it bear to its full capacity. 
If this is done, the body of the plant gradually becomes stronger and its 
fruiting capacity increases correspondingly; no wasteful plant growth is 
allowed at the expense of fruitage; and the vines are easily kept clear of 
