THE GRAPE IN COLD VINERIES. 



bunches not wanted were removed. The berries, when about the size of peas, were thin 

 ned out carefully, leaving the berries on smaller kinds closer, and on the larger ones more 

 distant; the shoulders were tied up, and the clusters pegged out. Very little after-thin- 

 ning was required. The borders were uncovered at the same time as the vines, and slight- 

 ly forked over, and a dressing of compost laid over, (both inside and out,) about three 

 inches thick, composed of three-fourths turf sods, one-fourth stable manure, and a 

 light addition of sugar house refuse. These had been mixed the season before, and were well 

 incorporated together. 



When planted, the crowns of the roots were somewhat elevated, which enabled me to 

 apply this dressing to advantage, as the small fibres were quite matted underneath the sur- 

 face. The same treatment was adopted throughout the summer as last season, till the 

 grapes began to color, when water over head was discontinued, but occasionally applied to 

 the roots inside the house, to enable the crop to ripen off well. The borders outside were 

 lightly mulched throughout the summer, with stable manure, and a thorough good soaking 

 of water was applied three times during the long drouth. 



On the second of August were cut, fully ripened, and well swelled, the first bunches, 

 (Malvesia and Joslin's St. Albans,) being a little under seventeen months from the date 

 of planting. Other kinds matured in succession; the whole crop being two hundred and 

 sixty-two bunches, well colored, some of the Hamburghs being over two and a half pounds 

 weight, and the other kinds being equally fine. 



From the present state of the vines, I do not hesitate to say that from six to seven hun- 

 dred bunches may be taken from them next season, without injury. In pruning this fall, 

 I have cut the side branches back to a good and plump eye, with the intention of taking 

 two shoots from one spur, each (farthest from the main stem, for fruiting,) and one close 

 to the base, (not to be fruited till the season after,) when the spur maybe cut back, there- 

 by keeping the side shoots "at home," without stubbing in so close, and ensuring finer 

 bunches. The top growth is cut to about six feet, and dis-budded as last season, leaving 

 the canes over twelve feet long, and in good condition at the end of two seasons planting, 

 to bear a full crop. 



Hoping the above description may assist in stimulating the lovers of this inestimable 

 fruit to erect houses for its cultivation, as no fruit-bearing plant is more easily groAvn, or 

 gives greater return for kind treatment, I am yours most respectfully, 



Wm. CnOIlLTON, 



Gardener to J. C. Green, Esq., New Brighton, Staten-Island. 

 [We thank Mr. Chorlton for his very practical and valuable communication. We 

 would be glad to receive many more just such as this from our practical readers, who know 

 but will not communicate their knowledge. Ed.] 



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