3 S 0 Wisconsin state agricultural society. 
as it is of more importance than anj other single thing in growing 
the grape. 
The term summer pruning, when taken in its literal signifi¬ 
cance, would include the removal of all superfluous growth from 
the vine during the growing season, whether in the succulent or 
ripened state. Understood in this general way, we are constantly 
led into the worst possible error, and it is of vital consequence 
that the distinction between summer pruning per se, and stopping 
and controlling growth while in the succulent state be made 
clear and defined, for on the proper understanding and practice of 
this, depends not only the fruitfulness of our vine, but its health, 
vigor and often its life. 
Properly defined, summer pruning is the removal of large quan¬ 
tities of superabundant leaves and shoots which have been allowed 
to grow unchecked until the wood is nearly ripened, and to this 
only should the term be applied. 
Many practice this, under the pretense of “ letting in the sun 
and air to the grapes.” While grapes will not ripen well, nor 
vines be healthy under a dense mass of matted foliage, this is not 
an evil to be remedied by the knife. 
These summer pruners should also observe, that all the finer 
bunches grow and ripen under the shade of the leaves. The sun 
direct upon the wood or fiuit is not necessary to their perfect 
ripening. Yet the vine, as a whole, should have the full and free 
benefit of sun and air. Then, if proper training has been given, 
observation will show the leaves adapting themselves in such a 
manner as to shield both wood and fruit from the direct rays of 
the sun. But the great evil attending summer pruning is given 
by an author who writes understanding !} 7 of the matter. He says: 
“ It is the sudden and violent check which it gives to the plants. The roots 
having been excited into vigorous action by the enormous draft made upon 
them, find themselves suddenly without a channel through which their un¬ 
elaborate product can find vent; the balance of product and supply is upset, 
and the fruit is filled with crude, ill-digested sap, thus causing it to be unripe 
and ill-favored.” 
And he might have added, the injurious effect on the vine itself, 
for this rapid growth thus checked cannot find vent alone in the 
fruit; the pent up sap must free itself also in foliage growth, the 
