68 THE BOOK OF THE GRAPE 



the grapes a top-dressing of slacked lime immediately 

 before applying clear water at the roots will prove very 

 beneficial and helpful in this direction. An occasional 

 top-dressing of soot being laid on the border before 

 giving clear water after the grapes have commenced the 

 second swelling will greatly assist in the swelling of 

 the berries and bunches to high-class dimensions. The 

 efficacy of soot will also show itself in the dark- green 

 foliage, which generally follows its judicious application 

 to plants or grass-land. 



As soon as the berries begin to colour, a more liberal 

 supply of fresh air should be admitted through roof and 

 front ventilators. This may not be possible during the 

 heat of the day, but the quantity then given should be 

 left on longer than usual in the afternoon, gradually 

 extending the time of reducing the air as the colouring 

 process advances, and increasing the amount of top and 

 front air left on at night in proportion. 



White grapes, unlike black grapes, are the better for 

 exposure to light and sunshine from the time that the 

 berries have commenced the second swelling i.e. after 

 the interesting process of " stoning" is completed until 

 they have acquired the coveted golden tint. 



When black grapes commence to colour, especially in 

 the case of Black Hamburg and Madresfield Court 

 varieties, the pinching of lateral growths should be 

 relaxed a little. A slight shading, such as a judicious 

 extension of lateral growth, will afford during bright 

 summer sunshine, will enable the berries to colour more 

 satisfactorily than would otherwise be the case. 



In the case of late grapes, plenty of light should be let 

 in among the bunches towards the end of October or 

 early in November by shortening back the growths to 

 within a couple of joints of the individual bunches. 



