216 VINES 
After growth has fairly started, the tempera- 
ture should again be gradually increased, until, 
by the flowering period, 65° has been reached. 
The vines should be sprayed three or four times 
on bright days, and the atmosphere kept humid 
by closing the ventilators early (until the time of 
actual flowering, when the grapery must be kept 
dry to facilitate the fertilizing of the flowers). 
This shuts in as much natural sun heat as possible. 
Even if the temperature runs up to 90°, as a result, 
it will do no harm, providing the air is charged 
with moisture. However, the house should be free 
from excessive moisture by night, hence it is not 
safe to spray after three o’clock in the afternoon. 
Before the flowering period is reached, some 
pinching is necessary. As soon as_ possible 
pinch the side shoots at a point two leaves beyond 
the bunch and remove the tendril opposite the 
bunch. Do not neglect this until you have to 
use a knife; the growth should be so small that 
the tip can be readily severed with the thumb 
and forefinger. At this time, all superfluous 
bunches should be removed, only the best looking 
spikes being allowed to remain. Of course, the 
probable size of the crop governs the number of 
spikes to be removed. Estimate the crop on 
the basis of the flowering, allowing that about 
