NOVEMBER. 3o0 



which the stalk is the axis ; in others the main stalk subdivides and 

 forms shoulders. At the upper part of the bunch branchlets- diverge 

 from the axis, and often these again throw out stalks bearing frequently 

 three berries, namely, two side ones and one terminal. - Towards the 

 lower extremity of the bunch the footstalks of 4he individual berries 

 proceed directly from the axis, which terininatesyn a single berry. In 

 thinning, the berries which proceed directly fro'ni the axis should be 

 first removed, then each ramification should be Successively inspected, 

 and the berries thinned out where they would otherwise be too thick, 

 taking care to cut off those nearest the axis or central stalk. The 

 reason of this is obvious, for if we cut off, say, two-thirds of the outmost 

 berries, those left would still be crowded ; but by reversing the process 

 the berries occupy a wider space, just as a number of persons forming 

 a small circle may be overcrowded, but by each withdrawing from the 

 centre, all soon rind plenty of room. In proceeding up the bunch, 

 peduncles from the main axis, bearing three berries, as already men- 

 tioned, will be met with. Mr. Roberts recommends {Culture of the 

 Vine, p. 52) the terminal one to be left, and the two side ones removed. 

 Where there are shoulders, they should be thinned on the same 

 principle, and also tied away from the main part of the bunch by 

 slender pieces of matting. The thinning should be modified according 

 to the varieties, and the space their berries require when full-grown ; 

 and in avoiding overcrowding, the berries should not be made too thin 

 and straggling. 



" In thinning, the berries should not be touched either with head or 

 hands that are perspiring ; and as they increase in size after the first 

 thinning, the bunches should be looked over, and regulated by a second 

 thinning when necessary. 



" Pot Culture. — The cultivation of Vines in pots is not new, for it 

 was practised by Speechly at Welbeck in the end of the last century, 

 but chiefly with a view of proving varieties forming part of a collection 

 too extensive for being all planted in the vineries. Recently, however, 

 this mode of culture is found very advantageous in other respects, 

 especially as regards a very early supply ; for by it such can be obtained 

 without forcing the permanent Vines so much in winter, and conse- 

 quently they are enabled to bear larger and finer crops for many years 

 consecutively. 



" Plants for fruiting in pots should be raised from eyes, and grown 

 as strong as possible in rich turfy loam mixed with about one-third of 

 horse dung, and a little bone-dust. The temperature should be gradu- 

 ally increased from 60° to 80° or 90° by sun heat, and a bottom heat 

 always a few degrees higher must be maintained. As the root3 require 

 more room, the plants ought to be shifted from 3-inch pots into those of 

 6, 9, 13, or 15 inches in diameter, and in either of the latter two 

 sizes they may be fruited in the following season. As growth proceeds 

 it should be determined how the plant is to be trained for fruiting in 

 the ensuing season, whether upright, arched spirally, or umbrella- 

 shaped ; and then from what part of the shoot it would be desirable 

 that buds to push shoots for fruiting next year should be situated. 

 The lowest of these buds having been fixed upon, the leader ought to be 



