The Ash Trough.
—The ash trough consists of a long trough on wheels, all made of galvanized iron, and furnished with numerous perforated holes. It is drawn by two or more horses through the vineyard, and the cuttings are burned in it as it goes along, and the ashes are scattered over the soil. As yet this trough is only used in a few of the largest vineyards, but when perfected will be useful everywhere, as by its aid the ashes may be saved for the vines instead of being wasted as is now so often the case.
Sulphuring Cans or Bellows.
—These are of various shapes and patterns. The cans have been superseded by the simple little burlap bag, which does the same or better work. The bellows are similar to common bellows, but are furnished with a distributing nozzle and with an air opening through which the sulphur can be poured.
The Cutter-sled.
—This is simply a sled four feet long by two and a half feet wide or more, under which has been fixed a horizontal bar of iron in the shape of a shallow U. It is used in the vineyard after the plowing and cultivation is finished, and when it is of importance to kill the few remaining weeds. The driver stands on the sled, which is pulled by one or two horses. It cuts all the weeds below the soil, and is a most effective and useful tool.
Vineyard Trucks.
—These useful trucks are California inventions, and of the greatest importance to the grower. They are now made of various sizes, but should never be over four feet wide, while three feet is even better, and their length should not exceed six feet. They are made to turn readily anywhere by having the front wheels or wheel movable, independently of the balance of the truck. By the aid of these trucks the grower can use horse labor in distributing his boxes and trays in the vineyard, even where the vines are planted so close that ordinary wagons cannot pass. The vineyard truck is now used in all Fresno vineyards, and is considered almost indispensable. The first truck ever made for this purpose was designed and invented by J. T. Goodman of Fresno.
Shears.
—These should be of the very best make of soft steel, and furnished with double springs. So far no good pruning shears are manufactured in this country, the best make coming from Switzerland, and retailed here at $3.00 per pair. It pays any grower to buy the best shears, as inferior ones not only last but a short time, but also do poor and slow work, and in the long run cost more than the best and most expensive make. With a good pair a pruner can in a day cut fifty per cent more than with a poor pair, and from ten to twenty-five per cent more than with an ordinary pair. It therefore can be readily seen how the extra price can be saved in the first day or two. Such fine shears should be handled and cared for very much like a razor. They should never be ground on a revolving stone, but only honed with oil on a fine hone. When the season is over they should be oiled, looked over and laid away. Large shears with wooden handles are not needed for Muscat vines. The best size shear is the medium size, which can be used with one hand.