192 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
the pistil, technically known as the stigma, as soon as it is fully developed. The- 
pollen should be obtained from the flowers of a variety distinct from that fertilized. 
Fuchsias should invariably be fertilized in the manner here indicated, 
OC, H.—The comparatively hardy Pancratium illyricum may be grown most 
successfully in a compost consisting of sandy loam, peat, and well rotted cow 
manure, in about equal parts. It requires liberal supplies of water at the roots 
during the growing season, and to be kept rather dry when at rest. It usually 
blooms in May. Several plants of a quite distinct character are popularly known 
as “the Air plant,” and therefore, before we can advise on the propagation of the: 
plant you have, we must first of all know what it really is. 
Ture Corovrine or Grapes.—J. S. &.—Grapes are, as a rule, of the finest 
flavour when well coloured, and as the intensity of colour, according to respective 
kinds, is a good index of the grape-grower’s ability, every effort should be made to. 
finish the crops in the best possible manner, That is to say, the Black Hamburgh, 
Lady Downes, and other black kinds should come to table of a deep blue-black, 
and the berries be furnished with a dense bloom; and the Muscat of Alexandria, 
Buckland Sweetwater, and other so-called white varieties, of a fine amber colour.. 
In the colouring of grapes the most important condition is to secure a proper circu- 
lation of air. In the summer this is no difficult matter, as the condition of the 
external atmosphere allows of its free admission, for the most part, both night and 
day ; but even then air must not be admitted indiscriminately should rain or windy 
weather occur ; for to colour grapes satisfactorily, and at the same time secure 
good flavour, there must be an increased temperature, with more air than is required 
for mere growth. ‘Therefore, in giving air, we must be guided by the condition of 
the outward elements, and not give it such free access as would keep down the 
internal temperature injuriously. Supposing the maximum temperature to be 
90°, a very safe standard, the minimum must not be lower thar 70°. The colour- 
ing of grapes in the early spring months is attended with more anxiety and difficulty, 
for the simple reason that air cannot be admitted so freely ; but as air is essential it 
must be admitted at the expense of keeping up a greater degree of heat from the 
heating medium, or, to be more plain, the temperature of the house must be raised 
five to ten degrees higher to allow of air being given without lowering it below the 
proper standard. Heat and air are both essential elements for the securing of 
colour and flayour in grapes, and to regulate temperature and ventilation are, there- 
fore, two of the most important duties of the cultivator. In both early and late 
houses there will iaevitably occur many days when, with judicious management, a _ 
current of fresh air may be carried through, and unless this is done there cannot 
be any certainty that the crop will finish off satisfactorily. The next point of 
consideration must be the humidity of the internal atmosphere. This must be con- 
siderably reduced as soon as the berries change colour; but atmospheric moisture 
must not be withheld altogether, for two reasons—first, because a sudden cessation 
of moisture in the atmosphere of the house might produce incalculable harm, by 
arresting, at a very critical stage, some of the processes of development of the vine. 
Being surrounded, as vines up to that point usually are, with a great amount of 
atmospheric moisture, they are not in a condition to endure a sudden check with 
impunity, and besides this, a very dry atmosphere is likely to offer a fair field for 
the red spider, which is a terrific enemy of the vine. he supply of atmospheric 
moisture must therefore be reduced gradually. In dull weather withhold water 
altogether ; in very hot weather water may be sprinkled about the floor from nine 
to twelve daily. We have lastly to consider the condition of the roots. These 
must not be saturated with moisture after the first signs of colour are shown. If 
they have up to that point been liberally attended to with respect to water, they 
will be able to take care of themselves; and in badly-drained borders of late 
houses it is a good plan to have temporary coverings close at hand, ao that they 
may be put on to carry off the beavy rains which sometimes occur at the season 
when the grapes are ripening, 
