Page:The family kitchen gardener - containing plain and accurate descriptions of all the different species and varieties of culinary vegetables (IA familykitchengar56buis).pdf/196

 entirely shaded from the sun, and had to struggle for weeks or months before they reached the full light and air. In such a case it is preferable to grow the plants in pots, till they are the required height. The first season’s growth should be confined to one stem only, carefully cutting off all lateral shoots within two eyes of the main stem.

.—This subject is extensively treated on by all writers on the vine, in the horticulture of Great Britain; and those who have undertaken the subject in this country appear to adopt their words. It may do in some soils and latitudes, but when put in practice here, many of the eyes intended for fruiting the coming season start to growth. The error we will take the liberty to point out. In the preceding paragraph we advise the first season’s growth to be confined to one stem; this having been done, cut this shoot down to the bottom of the glass, and allow two shoots to grow from it the next season, and take one bunch of fruit from the strongest shoot, if it shows any. These shoots are to be trained as far as they will grow. Writers say, “top them when one-third, or at farthest, half-way up the rafter:” if this is done in our climate, and the vines in strong health, one-half of the eyes below the stoppings will grow at once, ruining the vine for one year. Our climate elaborates the juices of the plant so fully that a stoppage of its growth has two results, viz.—either destroying the roots or causing a greater reproduction of wood; which in this case is a decided injury. The next Winter cut the weakest shoot to about one eye from the previous year’s wood; and the strongest lay in two or three feet of the past season’s growth. This portion will have ten or twelve eyes, all of which will break and produce fruit. Take only one bunch from each eye; the other shoot allow to grow its full length without fruit during the season. The next Winter cut back the strong shoot that has produced the large crop to within two eyes of the old wood, and allow one shoot to grow therefrom. The strong shoot is to be