i88i.] THE FRUIT-GARDEN. 117 



allowed to grow for a foot or more, and then stopped, for it is not 

 good to allow the growth to get crowded. From the time the Vines 

 are planted, all through the summer and autumn months, ventilation, 

 to cause a circulation of fresh air about the foliage, must be regularly 

 attended to. In bright, warm weather, a circulation of air should be 

 kept up night and day, for a high night temperature is a mistake. 

 Without sun-heat, your temperature should always be from 65"" to 75° 

 by day during the growing season. If this cannot be obtained natur- 

 ally, then it should be provided artificially. It does not matter much 

 what it is during the hours of darkness. Our vineries are sometimes 

 as low as 40° on a cold morning, and very often 50° even in fine 

 weather. We are particular to have a good growincf temperature by 

 day, but if the temperature is anywhere between 40° and 55° we 

 never bother ourselves, although the heat declines to the former figure. 

 We will not refer to this point again, as that is all we have to say 

 on the matter, except that, with bright sun and air on, 80° or 90° is 

 not too much. Water will be necessary for the inside border occa- 

 sionally during summer, and even the outside one, if the summer 

 prove dry. At first, while the plants are small and few roots are in 

 the borders, no great quantity will be necessary; but in a year or 

 two thorough drenchings will be needed, for Vine -leaves evaporate 

 water at an almost incredible rate, and the consequence is that Vine- 

 borders get very dry in a short time. When this happens, the Vines 

 soon lose their vigour, and red-spider comes to prey on their leaves, 

 and the two, between them, soon turn strong healthy plants into 

 weaklings. Care must therefore be taken that the Vines never suffer 

 for want of water. Vines are rather liable to be attacked by red-spider, 

 but complete and copious syringings, directed full tilt at the back of the 

 leaves, will soon settle it. When the fruit is on the Vines, care must 

 be taken not to dash the water at the bunches, but past them, or the 

 beautiful bloom, which enhances their value and appearance on the 

 table, will be washed off. Water which trickles off the leaves on to 

 the bunches will not harm the bloom much, although it will not im- 

 prove it. Of course, when red-spider is absent, syringing is not neces- 

 sary, but a washing once a-week before the Grape begins to colour 

 will not spoil the bloom, and will prevent spider making its appear- 

 ance. At whatever stage it appears, drown it out, for that is the only 

 way to keep healthy Vines ; and although trickling water may injure 

 the bloom a little. Vines which are weakened year after year by attacks 

 from red-spider will soon cease to produce Grapes worth having, far 

 less preserving the bloom on. You will know when it begins its work, 

 for the leaves, when attacked, will appear as if they intended ripening 

 off. If the leaves grow yellowish before their time, examine the backs 

 of them carefully, and the downy webs which the creatures weave 

 will soon be seen, and a little close examination will reveal the minute 

 insects themselves. Sometimes thrip makes its appearance. In this 



