200 THE GKAPE. 



been the results. In consequence of a wet and cold sea- 

 eon, the wood of all out-door grape-vines, and also that 

 in most cold graperies may not be thoroughly ripened, 

 which renders it necessary to assist by artificial means to 

 make up the deficiency. This in out-door culture, may 

 be done by removing the superfluous shoots, thus allow 

 ing the sun to act upon the branches, and further concen- 

 trate or ripen the juices, thus reducing the quantity of 

 aqueous matter contained in the vine. Do not, however, 

 injure the leaves on the remaining branches, as respira- 

 tion would be checked, and the object intended to be 

 gained prevented. It is advisable to follow up the same 

 course with late crops under glass, and, in addition, to 

 deviate a trifle from general practice by keeping the 

 house a little warmer than usual. This may be accom- 

 plished by keeping the lower ventilators closed, by 

 which a higher temperature will be maintained near the 

 bottom of the house. A free cu-culation, quite sufficient 

 for all purposes, may be admitted by the upper openings. 

 A genial and dry atmosphere will thus be secured, which 

 will enable the vines to complete the ripening process 

 without check, and if the house be entirely closed at 

 night when there is danger of frost, the leaves will be 

 kept in a growing state for a longer time. Never let a 

 grape-vine leaf be injured by extreme cold before it is 

 mature, if it is possible to avoid it. So long as it remains 

 green, it is doing service to the vine. In a healthy plant 

 of any kind, when nature has accomphshed her purpose, 

 she will cast off" the useless parts, and any interference in 

 this particular leads to injurious effects. 



OUT-DOOR CULTURE. 



Where new plantings are intended, the early part of 

 tliis month is the best time for making preparations, as 



