[ 142 ] 
ing the most forward and promising* shoot among 
them. When you are able to do this, pinch off all 
the rest—let not your eye pity, nor your hand spare 
them—all the nourishment, which the roots can con¬ 
vey, are wanted to ensure the health and vigor of 
the chosen root. As it advances in growth, fasten 
it to the sunny side of the stake ; never suffer it to 
be beaten about with the winds ; and pinch off its 
tendrils, laterals, nephews and suckers, as they ap¬ 
pear. Here, I find Speechly differs from a prac¬ 
tice, I have seen pursued in New-York. The late¬ 
rals are, generally, broken off close^ leaving the 
bud, at its insertion, exposed. The author last 
mentioned, and Mr. Antill also, asserts, that the 
main branch, in consequence, loses that full and 
beautiful soundness, which indicates health and 
vigor ; and therefore they direct that the laterals, 
8^c. should be pinched off at the length of about 
four inches. This method prevents the branch 
trained, from assuming that flatness and deformity, 
which the common practice invariably effects, and 
must be contrary to the intentions of nature. This 
remark is of importance ; and attention to it, maj 
greatly contribute, not only to the beauty, but to 
the strength, fertility and longevity of the vine. 
* By the most firomiswg shoot, you will by no means under- | 
stand, that the tallest and most aspiring is meant. These are very j 
often slender and long jointed, little better than suckers, and gene- i 
rally barren. The best shoots are the roundest, short jointed, thick 1 
set with eyes—these are the most prolific, j 
