562 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



much lower temperature during the night than is generally practised. 

 And not only so, but it is also contended tliat a low night-temperature 

 is conducive to health, longevity, and fruitfulness in the Vines ; and 

 by its adoption they are kept free from certain insects that prey upon 

 them at some places when treated to a higher temperature in the 

 night. 



The foregoing is a short summary .of the advantages said by the 

 advocates of the " cool system " to be derived from an adherence thereto 

 in the culture of the Grape-Vine. And at first sight it might appear 

 that their claims were indisputable. For instance, on the score of 

 economy alone, one would think the cooler system of Grape-growing 

 had a great advantage over the hotter. By the former system we are 

 told that a saving in fuel and labour is brought about, and that it also 

 prevents insects from attacking the Vines during the growing season, 

 and thereby the cost of "red-spider and thrip antidote" and other 

 insecticides is saved. The economical argument, however, is more 

 apparent than real, as we will see presently. Speaking of red-spider 

 and thrips, however, leads me to remark in passing, that when these 

 insects infest Vines year after year, it is an evidence that there is 

 a weak link — other than Jiifjh night-temperature — somewhere in the 

 chain of conditions or management under which the Vines are 

 growing. 



Referring again to the "cool system," it is much to be regretted 

 that, when tried against the hotter — all other conditions being equal, 

 and the test of superiority being the finish, flavour, and keeping quali- 

 ties of the fruit produced by the respective systems — it is, to use a 

 sporting phrase, nowhere. I do not say this without " having given 

 both ways a fair trial" with several sorts of Grapes. Where large 

 properly built bunches, having large even-sized berries of good colour 

 and excellent flavour, are wanted, a higher night-temperature must be 

 maintained from start to finish than that recommended by the de- 

 fenders of cool treatment. 



And now with regard to the best degree of temperature to maintain 

 day and night, when the Vines are in flower, with a view of securing 

 a satisfactory set of the fruit. In my experience, I have found that 

 the best results follow, in the case of Muscats, when the night-tem- 

 perature is kept as near 70° as possible, with a rise of from 10° to 

 15° during the day, according to the amount of sunshine prevailing. 

 I may state, however, that Muscat of Alexandria, and what is called 

 Bowood Muscat, are the only two kinds that I ever experienced any 

 difficulty with in the matter of setting of the fruit. And in the case 

 of these Grapes, I have never been able to get them to " set so well 

 that the berries become wedged together by the thinning period." 

 Still, until this year, I managed to have as shapely bunches as most 

 people, and superior in other ways to some that had been thought 

 worthy of being publicly exhibited. 



