312 THE YEAR-BOOK OF AGRICULTURE. 



are obtaining by skill, care, and attention. The average weight of the respective crops 

 given, if taken collectively, would be one pound per bunch, all of which would have readily 

 sold at from fifty to seventy-five cents per pound ; the lowest price, however, is only calcu- 

 lated. The following number of bunches of good quality have been cut in the respective 

 years: 1851, 262 bunches; 1852, 618 bunches; 1853, 918 bunches; 1854, 1147 bunches; 

 making a total of 2495 bunches. 



The following calculation shows the balance side of the question : 



2945 Ibs., at 50 cents $1472.50 



Deduct labor expended in five years $725.00 



" yearly dressings of manure, at $20 100.00 



" repairs, painting, &c 200.00 1025.00 



$447.50 



By the above example it will be seen that there is $447 above the lowest wholesale mar- 

 ket price ; and as the house, border, &c. cost about $2000, it leaves a surplus profit of 4 

 per cent, per annum upon invested capital, which in the present position looks somewhat low ; 

 but it must be understood that in this case profit was not the object ; every thing was done, 

 regardless of expense, to make a good and handsome structure. The best French glass was 

 used, and all labor paid by the day ; besides which, in the first year, there is no return profit, 

 and the last season is the only one in which a full crop has been allowed. Take into con- 

 sideration, also, that the labor account for management is reckoned at $2 per day, and it 

 will be readily seen that a good and suitable house may be built and tended so as to give a 

 large return profit. A house of equal dimensions, and well furnished, can be erected at $12 

 per lineal foot, with the exception of cistern, force-pump, hose, and tank ; and if we make 

 an estimate of all incidental expenses on a house equal to the above, and fifty feet long, it 

 will stand thus: house, 50 feet long, furnished with two coats of paint, at $12, $600; brick 

 cistern cemented, 10 feet square, $70 ; tank, force-pump, and hose, $90 ; 25 tons of manure 

 for borders, at $2, $50 ; materials for drainage, $20 ; 90 bushels of bones, at 50 cents, $45 ; 

 100 bushels of charcoal, $15; labor, making borders, etc., $20; 48 vines, at 50 cents, $24; 

 total, $934.00. 



As, in the first example, the house is 74 feet long, and, in the latter, 50 feet, the compara- 

 tive weight of fruit that may be taken will be about two-thirds, or 1954 Ibs., at the same 

 prices, making the total value for the five years, $982 ; and, making the same comparison in 

 labor, expenses, &c. in both cases, we may put down $298 gain upon a capital of, $934, 

 which shows a profit of about six per cent, per annum, and this too at the commencement. 

 If we were to calculate upon seven years, the percentage would amount to nine per cent.; 

 and continued further, it would be still greater, as the vines will continue each season to 

 produce a full crop. 



From these illustrations it will be readily seen that, with good management, there is no 

 loss in having a cold grapery, even though partial failure may occur. 



Green-houses and their Management. 



THE following memoranda on the above subject are derived from the pages of the Horti- 

 culturist: 



In the first place, care must be taken that your house is well built, so that it will exclude 

 the outer air. Second, it must not be too large for the heating apparatus ; a small house 

 well heated will produce more flowers than a large one poorly heated. Third, have your fur- 

 nace and stock-hole entirely within the house say under the centre stage. This, I am aware, 

 is objected to by some ; but if the flues draw well, which they will be sure to do if there is 

 a regular ascent in them from the furnace to the chimney, and coke or charcoal is used in 

 kindling the fires, you will never be incommoded with smoke or gas, while the additional heat 

 obtained will be at least a fourth. Be careful not to let the earth come in contact with either 

 flues or furnace. Fourth, provide a good supply of outer shutters, to use at night. Fifth, 

 do not build your house too high, or all the heated air will ascend, and leave the lower part 

 of the house too cold. And this brings us to the most important matter of all namely, the 



