122 THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. [June, 



to do witli grapes not "setting" satisfactorily — the more so, when the weather is 

 dull and cloudy while the flowering period lasts ; because the vine, like most 

 other exotic fruits, " sets " its flowers most surely in a warm, somewhat dry atmo- 

 sphere — not necessarily dry, however, the whole 24 hours, but only for a feu' 

 hours during the warmest part of the day, the period ivlien impregnation takes 

 place. In bright, sunny weather this dryness is obtained, and at the proper 

 time, by the necessary ventilation required to regulate the temperature, which 

 allows the moist atmosphere to pass gradually out, and to be replaced by a more 

 congenial, drier and warmer air. When dull sunless weather occurs at this 

 period, special attention should be given to keep the pipes sufficiently hot to allow 

 of a temperature of from 80° to 85° being kept up for a few hours each day, 

 the ventilators being at the same time opened sufficiently to allow of a slow 

 change of atmosphere, so as to carry out the extra moisture with which it may 

 be surcharged. 



Grape-growers vary their treatment considerably at this stage of growth. 

 Some prefer a very dry atmosphere and very high temperature, which doubtless 

 is favourable for the "setting" process in, at least, some varieties, such as Muscats., 

 Blade 3Iorocco, &c., but is unfavourable to the health of the vine at this critical 

 period of its growth, while actively engaged developing its tender shoots and 

 delicate foliage, causing the growths to " come weak," and favouring the rapid 

 increase of injurious insect enemies, which are almost sure to make their appear- 

 ance at a later period in large numbers — a standing source of annoyance and 

 injury during the remainder of the season. Others prefer a moist atmosphere, 

 and even recommend continuing syringing during the flowering process, if the 

 weather proves fine, and plenty of sunshine occurs, so as to admit the atmosphere 

 inside the houses to get dried for a few hours every day. This may be safe practice 

 if the conditions are as just explained ; but if otherwise, it is unsafe, for unless the 

 pollen is quite dry, it Avill not readily act, and consequently, impregnation will 

 become all but impossible. 



The confined state in which vines under glass are grown is not favourable to 

 the process of impregnation — the glass excluding them to a large extent from the 

 action of the wind, which would otherwise largely aid in spreading the pollen, 

 and bringing it in contact with the stigma. I have long had in use here an 

 admirable but very simple form of trellis attached only to the top and bottom of 

 the vineries and peach-houses, &c., with the horizontal wires screwed tight to 

 which the vines, peaches, &c., are trained. A sharp blow with the hand makes 

 it vibrate like a fiddle-string, sending up from and surrounding each bunch with 

 clouds of pollen. This is certainly a much better plan than touching the bunches 

 with the hand, as is generally done, saving much time, and, moreover, doing the 

 work more effectually. 



As is well known to all engaged in the culture of the vine, there are some 

 varieties which "set" under ordinary treatment, in the greatest abundance, such as 

 the different varieties of Hamburgh., Trehbiano, Black Prince, &c. There are not 



