CHAP. 36.—HOW GRAPES ARE PROTECTED FROM THE RAVAGES
OF INSECTS.
Stays, too, should be given to the vine for it to take hold of
and climb upwards, if they are taller than it. (24.) Espaliers [Note]
for vines of a high quality should be cut, it is said, at the
Quinquatria, [Note] and when it is intended to keep the grapes,
while the moon is on the wane. We are assured, moreover,
that those which are cut at the change of the moon, are exempt
from the attacks of all insects. [Note] According to another system,
it is said that vines should be pruned by night at full moon,
and while it is in Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, or Taurus: and
that, in general, they ought to be planted either when the
moon is at full or on the increase. In Italy, ten workmen
will suffice for one hundred jugera of vineyard.