THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 51 



spider, and all other hybernatory insects that usually infest the 

 grape. When thus dressed, let them be tied to the rafters loosely, 

 and close the house. No fire-heat will be required for the first 

 fortnight, and the increase of temperature must subsequently be 

 brought on in a very gradual manner ; 45° may be taken as quite 

 sufficient for the mean temperature of the first month, or till positive 

 signs of action are observable in the buds, when it may rise 5° more, 

 continuing at that till the first leaves are fairly visible, when again 

 5° more may be added, and the application of moisture commence. 

 This is best provided in the early stages of growth, by means of 

 evaporating pans on the heating apparatus ; but as the leaves are 

 unfolded more will be required, and the syringe may then be used 

 with advantage. In the third month from starting the foliage will 

 expand, and the flowers begin to open. This is perhaps the most 

 important period. It is necessary to syringe freely over the leaves, 

 that they may be kept in a healthy, vigorous condition ; and as the 

 sun will be gaining power, air must be admitted to keep the tem- 

 perature of an even character ; it may reach 70° before the lights 

 are opened, and then a little opening at the top of the house will 

 keep it steadily at that point ; continuing thus till the flowers are 

 just bursting, when rather less moisture should be employed till the 

 fruit is set, which, if the plants are nicely managed, will occupy 

 about four days or a week ; and during this time if the weather is 

 favourable, a rather free admission of air may be indulged in, which, 

 by drying the atmosphere of the house, will help to ripen the pollen, 

 and render its distribution more easy and certain. It is a good 

 plan, as a further assistance to this desirable object, to give the 

 stems a smart shake once or twice a day ; and by some it is recom- 

 mended to syringe the flowers all over, as a means of scattering the 

 pollen, but this seems rather objectionable, as the water may remain 

 on the flowers long enough to destroy its fecundating powers, while 

 a dry air must be more conducive to its ripening and spreading. 

 As soon as the berries are observed to be set, an abundant supply 

 of moisture must again be given, that they may swell freely ; and to 

 assist them in this stage, the introduction of ammoniacal vapour is 

 found very beneficial, and may be easily provided, by placing in the 

 house a quantity of sweet fermenting stable dung, to be turned to 

 account also in the provision of bottom-heat for other things grown 

 in the same erection, as French beans, and a variety of similar 

 matters. Tanner's bark is commonly used for this purpose, and. 

 though more cleanly and regular in its action, is not quite equal to 

 the dung in its production of ammonia. Air must now be admitted 

 in quantities proportionate to the state of the weather, and the more 

 that can be given, provided that the internal temperature is not less 

 than 65° or 70°, the better for the grapes, as much of the mischief 

 known as " scalding," etc., arises from keeping the house too close. 

 If the viues are progressing in a healthy manner, they will bear a 

 free current of air on fine days with manifest improvement; but it 

 must not be admitted in large quantities suddenly, or the chill 

 produced is quite likely to carry off the entire crop. Thinning the 

 berries and bunches is an important operation, occurring when the 



February. 



