202 tiil: grape. 



which will be according as early or later grapes are want- 

 ed. To obtain ripe fruit by the middle of April, com- 

 mence at once, and if in May, it will be required to begin 

 by the middle of December, and later in proportion. [See 

 page 84.) Such extreme artificial culture should not be 

 attempted by the novice, however, as it requires con- 

 siderable experience, and is attended with much care and 

 expense. 



RETARDING HOUSE. 



In the retarding house, where there is a heating ap- 

 paratus, a gentle fire should be applied, if frost in the 

 night be apprehended, but admit air freely, excluding 

 any moisture. 



OUT-DOOR CULTURE. 



Excepting in the most northern or north-westeni pans 

 of the country, the pruning of the hardy kinds of out- 

 door grapes may be proceeded with. It ought not, how- 

 ever, to be done during severe frost. Where the land 

 will still admit of being worked, the upper soil should be 

 loosened with the fork, some four or five inches deep, 

 over the whole surfiice ; after which a mulching of de- 

 cayed leaves, vegetable refuse, or barn-yard manure, will 

 more than repay the cost. On a large scale this might 

 seem tedious, but it does not alter the case ; for if good 

 attention and the best culture will pay on a small scale, 

 they will be found equally remunerative in extensive 

 culture. Depend upon it, one of the main secrets of 

 making grape-culture pay, in all the varied departments, 

 is in enabling each vine to do its best. Never attempt 

 more than you have capital, convenience and energy to 

 carry out. 



