72 THE GRAPE. 



or let the hair rub them, for while young, the skins are 

 very soon injured, when they become disfigured, and 

 marked with a russety roughness which is technically 

 called rust. 



Continue to keep up a temperature of 90° to 100® 

 through the day, and use water freely ; damp the lower 

 part of the house two or three times between morning and 

 evening, and, when syringing at sundown, force the water 

 into all crevices and corners of the wood-work, to dislodjre 

 insects. Where this is attended to, red spider, or other 

 such pest, will never do any harm. Do not wait until 

 these vermin make their appearance, but always act on 

 the principle, " prevention is better than cure.'' 



As the leading shoot continues to progress, train it over 

 the top to the opposite side, as advised for last year, and 

 when it interferes with the fruit spurs in its downward 

 course, pinch out the top, as it would cause too much 

 crowding, and deprive the leaves from receiving due 

 light. 



In very dry weather it will be necessary to use water 

 on the outside borders ; generally, one or two applications 

 is enough for the season ; but if severe, drought should 

 continue, it will be advisable to repeat the operation every 

 two weeks, till the fruit begins to color ; after which there 

 is no occasion for more, as there will be plenty of moisture 

 in the ground for all purposes. Were it not so generally 

 considered that large berries are a part of perfection, we 

 should be disposed to recommend the withholding of water 

 at an earlier period ; and those who would prefer a rich, 

 sugary grape, regardless of size, will be more sure to get 

 it by using water very sparingly after the stoning process 

 is fairly secured. Under these circumstances there is also 

 a better chance of producing good color, as the drier the 

 atmosphere and borders of a Cold Grapery, the less danger 



