CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. I'ii 



further than is necessary to prevent the increase of 

 insects. An occasional watering with a syringe or force 

 pump, will not only preserve the leaves in a healthy 

 state for the remainder of the season, but considerably 

 assist in keeping the vines clear of insects by dislodging 

 them from the corners and crevices. This will prevent 

 their increase, and obviate the necessity of using tliose 

 strong washes which some persons consider indispensable, 

 and which, from their caustic nature, frequently injure tlie 

 cellular organs of the vines. Do not remove anymore 

 of the young growth than is necessary to give free light 

 to the main leaves attached alternately on the ripened 

 shoots, as too close cutting at this time has a tendency 

 to burst the buds which are intended to remain dormant 

 until the next forcing period. 



RETARDING HOUSE. 



The same directions as for Cold Grapery will also 

 apply here at present. 



OCTOBEK. 



The 'preservation of grapes beyond the usual period of 

 ripening is a great desideratum, and deserves something 

 more than a passing notice. Dryness is indispensable for 

 this purpose. We know that impoi'ted raisins are grapes, 

 which have had the watery portions evaporated by a 

 warm, dry atmosphere, leaving the sugary matter and a 

 part of the aroma. If after the maturity of the fruit, our 

 own climate was as dry and warm as that of southern 

 Spain, there would be no difficulty in keeping the fruit, 

 for we could let the clusters hang on the vines, and gather 

 them as wanted. As we have not their natural advantage 

 in this respect, we must imitate their climate as near as 

 W€ can. 



