398 THE FORCING GARDEN* [^JUNSi 



^ 



iune. 



THE GRAPE-HOUSE. 



As the fruit begin to colour and swell off for ri- 

 pening, tlie quantity of water, hitherto liberally 

 given, must be lessened by degrees ; and, towards 

 its coming to full maturity, must be entirely with- 

 held, that it be not rendered insipid. The oper- 

 ations of the engine, on the foliage, must also 

 cease ; but previously, be particularly severe, and 

 be careful to scourge it well, that no vestige of the 

 red spider be left. This is a matter of very great 

 importance, and but too little attended to : and for 

 want of taking this care, I have more than once 

 seen a wliole crop of grapes very much spoiled, and 

 the berries rendered dirty, nauseous, and bitter. 

 If this enemy be not subdued, but be allowed to 

 establish himself among the berries, (a situation he 

 is very fond of, being snug, and as it were en- 

 trenched, especially in close-growing bunches), it 

 is next to impossible to rout him. 



Previously to the colouring of the fruit also, if 

 there be any of the thrips about the berries or fo- 



