of which do not ripen properly. This defect 

 may be induced by various causes, the principal 

 one being unfavourable atmospheric conditions 

 when the flowers appeal-, which prevents the 

 proper development of the berries by maki no- 

 some of the blossoms abortive. When these 

 flowers are rendered abortive their places are 

 taken by later and secondary ones which are 

 inferior to the first or main ones. These 

 secondary flowers are usually weakly, and only 

 develop berries when the primary ones fail. 

 Sometimes the evil is caused by the lack of 

 some essential materials in the soil, such as 

 potash or phosphoric acid. When the trouble 

 is due to the last mentioned cause the 

 cultivator may avoid it by taking care that 

 there are no soil deficiencies. If caused by 

 atmospheric conditions the evil cannot be 

 absolutely avoided, but it may be mitigated 

 by discarding such varieties as are specially 

 liable to be affected. 



CULTIVATION UXDER GLASS. 



In the cooler regions of Australia, and to a large extent in Tasmania 

 and New Zealand, the cultivation of the Grape in the open air will 

 necessarily be uncertain, and the aid of glass houses will be required. 

 Glass houses may also be used with advantage for the pi-eduction of 

 table Grapes earlier in the season than they can be obtained when 

 growing under ordinary conditions. Grape houses may be divided 

 into two classes,' the first including structures that merely aft'ord 

 protection from the changes of the weather and low outside tempera- 

 ture, and the other embracing building-s fitted with appliances for 

 supplying artificial heat to stimulate and hasten growth. 



Cool Houses. The first class, or cold houses, are those that will be 

 more generally required, and when economy is a consideration they 



Bunch with Berries of 

 irregular growth. 



A Lean-to Grape House. a a Ventilators. A Span-roof Grape House.. 



