178 THE GRAPE. 



COLD GRAPERY. 



The vines may remain covered until the latter part of 

 the present, or, in late situations, the bep:inning of next 

 month. The house should be kept cool by having the 

 ventilators and doors open at all times except during 

 severe frost. After the covering is removed, clean the 

 house and make all neat. Fork the inside beds, and 

 give a thorough syringing over the whole house, select- 

 ing a mild time for the operation. Do not, however, 

 repeat this operation daily until the danger from sharp 

 frosts is past. For planting, see page 59. 



FORCIXG HOUSE. 



This is the most trying month in the year, (even more 

 so than the preceding one,) whei'e grapes are being forc- 

 ed early, as, generally speaking, the roots are in a cold 

 bed, and notwithstanding there may be a sufficient 

 covering on the surface, still the soil lacks the genial heat 

 which a summer's sun imparts, while, at the same time, 

 the branches are exposed to a temperature and atmos- 

 phere suitable to their healthy action, and the advancing 

 fruit is drawing considerably on the energy of the plants. 

 This difference of condition and artificial position, tends 

 to the development of the plant, it is true, but the ex- 

 panded leaves have not the requisite supply of organic 

 matter flowing through them, which causes them to 

 remain more than usually thin and watery, and the 

 fruit is liable to suffer accordingly, unless the greatest cau- 

 tion be exercised. The weather too, at this time, is fickle, 

 one day being mild, cloudy and moist, while the next 

 may be dry, cold and windy, with severe frost. These 

 sudden differences require the greatest care and watch- 

 fulness, else after a day of severe weather, the leaves will 

 suddenly wilt and be destroyed, when the sun's powerful 



