PRACTICAL PAPERS—GRAPE growing. 
3 S 5 
if the shoot is stopped after having formed two leaves, all that quantity of 
food which would have been consumed in the production of leaves, is applied 
to the increase of size in the grapes and the leaves that are left; while the 
general crop of leaves on the vine will be amply sufficient to prepare those 
secretions which are to give flavor, color and sweetness to the grapes. 
“ In vine pruning, the great object is to leave on the shoots just as much 
force as may be required to secure for the bunches the food that is intended 
for them, and at the same time to deprive the laterals of the means of expend¬ 
ing the food uselessly in the production of leaves instead of fruit.” 
We have here sound philosophy, and the best of instruction. 
Under this process of checking growth, about the first of Septem¬ 
ber we find the shoots fully ripened to their tips, as are also the 
spurs of the laterals (where stopped). The fruit ripens earlier and 
is often double in size and quantity to that on the unchecked vine, 
while in sweetness, richness and flavor, there is no comparison. It 
is from such culture, that the best results thus far have been ob¬ 
tained in the open air. 
FALL PRUNING. 
We have seen that the proper time for fall pruning is just after 
the leaves have fallen. Also that on the falling of the leaf the 
shoot becomes the cane. Lying alternately along the sides of 
the cane we now find the dormant buds to which frequent refer¬ 
ence has been made; and if the process of checking growth has 
been such as indicated, they will be found round and full almost 
to bursting, and seemingly impatient for the coming spring. In 
these are centered the hope fer next season’s fruit, and if properly 
preserved during the winter each will produce its shoot with full 
complement of leaves, laterals, clusters and tendrils. But we 
readily see that if all are left, our vines will be but a dense mass 
of foliage, which will appropriate in its growth most of the nutri¬ 
ment that can be furnished, with little hope for fruit. We there¬ 
fore prune, and for this pruning, I have found one simple rule a 
sufficient guide in every instance, whatever the system of training 
may be. 
First find where we want a shoot or shoots to grow the coming 
year. Then leaving one additional bud on each shoot, cut away 
all others. This applies, as well, to pruning before the vine is in 
bearing. 
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