CHAP. IX VILLA GARDENING 283 



delay aud frequent neglect in giving attention to the regidation of 

 the growtli in spring aud summer, and the other is over-cropping ; 

 while no effort is made by giving the plants extra sustenance, in 

 the shape of mulching or artificial manm-es, to enable them to 

 swell their fruit off to a profitable size. No spur should be per- 

 mitted to carry more than one good-sized bunch, and, if time 

 permitted, in the case of the best bunches thin the berries with 

 the scissors. I am convinced that if this were done the Grapes 

 would be of a much better quality. So far as regards wine- 

 making, the Grapes need not be thinned ; and if the Vines were 

 well fed, to ward off undue exhaustion, more bunches might be left 

 on than if the Grapes were required for dessert. Grapes good 

 enough for dessert were grown in this country when more care and 

 attention were bestowed upon their culture, and I have no doubt 

 this will be done again when a greater number of people, with 

 original methods of propagation, are induced to take up the subject. 



Renovating Old Vines. — Old exhausted Vines may be quickly 

 brought back to a profitable condition by root lifting, and adding 

 fresh turfy soil to the borders. No fruit tree responds so readily 

 to good treatment as the Vine does. The proper course to adopt 

 is to open a trench along the front of the border, taking away all 

 exliausted soil, lifting the roots out carefully, bringing back fresh 

 soil, and after pruning the roots laying them out evenly and straight 

 in the border, about 8 or 9 inches from the surface, mulching the 

 border with 4 inches of good yard manure. At the same time the 

 knife should be used freely among the branches to make room to lay 

 in a supply of new wood, which, with roots brought near the surface, 

 will be short-jointed and firm, every eye or bud showing a bunch 

 of Grapes. The best time to do this work is when the leaves are 

 ripe, or have finished their work in autumn. The mulching and 

 watering in dry weather are very important, as this brings the 

 roots near the surfiice and keeps them there. 



Diseases, etc. — Mildew is the only really troublesome enemy 

 to the Grape Vine in the open air, and this is mainly caused by 

 sluggish root-action, arising chiefly from two opposite causes — viz. 

 a wet, cold, pasty border, or extreme dryness at the root. Lifting 

 the roots in the way suggested will be an effective remedy in the 

 former case, and a dressing of artificial manure, with a substantial 

 mulching and plenty of water, will give the much-needed nourish- 

 ment when drought is the cause. When an attack of mildew is 

 brought on by ungenial weather, inducing a sudden check, washing 

 with sulphur water, or dusting dry sulphur over the affected parts, 

 will quickly destroy the pest ; but there must be no delay in apply- 

 ing this remedy. 



