i88i.] THE ART OF COLOURING GRAPES. 411 



mature that grand wood, evil results will follow instead of good, in 

 the case of fruiting and flowering trees. Better by far have only mod- 

 erate growth that the climate will perfect — we then may confidently 

 look for good results. The lesson is to adapt ourselves to our circum- 

 stances, and not mourn because they won't adapt themselves to us. 

 To give manure or to withhold it, to apply it sparingly or liberally, 

 depends not altogether on the state of the soil, nor yet on the crop to 

 be raised ; but if we are to reap the fullest good, we must regard the 

 climate also. It is the same in the matter of digging. A loose open 

 soil which will allow roots to run freely and retain moisture in as 

 great quantity as possible when aided by mulching, may be proper in 

 one case and disastrous in another. With a dull sky, a heavy rainfall, 

 a damp soil, and a low temperature, a firm soil which will retain a 

 minimum amount of water, and discourage strong, pumping roots, 

 tending to produce fibry ones which produce firmer growth — such is 

 the practice which should obtain. We have spoken generally. It is 

 impossible to do more, for no two localities, soils, or situations are the 

 same, consequently each one must cut a path for himself. 



"Far North." 



THE ART OF COLOURING GRAPES. 



"It is pitiable to see Grapes which are fine in every other way — 

 large and regular in berry, beautiful in form, and large in size of 

 bunch — yet lacking that all-important point of excellence, good colour, 

 and consequent good flavour. It is possible to have good colour with- 

 out good flavour, inasmuch as colour under good cultivation will come 

 first ; but it is not possible to have good flavour without good colour. 

 I do not say that Grapes should be all either black or yellow ; there 

 are some of the best-flavoured varieties which will not, under any 

 system of cultivation, approach either of these colours, and are there- 

 fore not so much grown as their merits would warrant ; but when we 

 see, as all of us who attend exhibitions do see every year, red Grapes 

 conspicuously labelled Black Hamburg, and Muscat of Alexandria as 

 green as a Leek, we may be sure there is something wrong either in 

 the culture or nomenclature. At local shows especially, judges have 

 an unthankful oflice to perform when size is pitted against finish, and 

 of course everybody is on the side of the giants. At the larger shows, 

 in consequence of a greater number of persons attending who know 

 what a bunch of Grapes should be, and there being amongst the crowd 

 a certain amount of confidence in the great men who are supposed 

 to act as censors on such occasions, the task of judging is not so 

 thankless. 



" In the case of Muscats at the early summer exhibitions we must, 

 I suppose, be content to see them green, for they have never, to my 



