Grapes 



191 



other sorts, as the bunches are of a more straggly character than those 

 of the black varieties. 



Soon after the thinning is done the berries finish their first swelling 

 and begin to stone. During this process it is useless to try to drive 

 the Vines in any way, and it is usual to reduce the temperature a little. 

 Immediately it is seen that the stoning is finished, and the berries are 

 beginning to swell again, opportunity should be taken at the next water- 

 ing to give a little stimulant of some kind, and this should be repeated 



Fig. 384. Young Bunches of Grapes 

 1, Before, and 2, after thinning. 



at intervals of a fortnight until the grapes are colouring. This practice 

 is carried out on some of the Worthing nurseries, and the soil there can 

 apparently take water at all times without getting too wet. On a good 

 many soils frequent watering cannot be done, and the only guide to 

 the cultivator in the matter of watering Vines is only to do it when 

 required, and this can only be decided by intelligent observation of the 

 borders. Vines can take a great quantity of water at times, and must 

 never be allowed to suffer for want of it; but too much water entail- 

 ing as it does unhealthy border conditions is worse, if anything. As 

 soon as the berries begin to show colour more air must be given, and 

 a chink should be left on all night until, as the colour gets to be pro- 

 nounced, free ventilation can be left on night and day except in bad 



