CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. 203 



COLD GRAPERT. 



If the vines in the Cold Grapery have not been pruned, 

 do it at once, after which clean and wash with the mix- 

 ture recommended on page G5. After this operation, 

 prepare for covering, by bringing the vines down to a 

 horizontal position along the line of planting. Tie the 

 cane loosely to the nearest wire, about two or three feet 

 from the ground level, so that when the head is brought 

 down, this lower portion will remain in a nearly perpen- 

 dicular position. Next draw the upper portion down to 

 1 level, and tie it to the wires or stakes in a horizontal 

 position. Lay the next in like manner alongside the 

 first, and so on, until near the other end of the house, 

 where some three or four canes will have to be reversed. 

 Tliey are now ready for the covering. This for young 

 plants need be only a three-inch coating of straw tied 

 around with twine ; but for older vines, that have got 

 spurs on, it is more convenient to use long boxes, made 

 deep enough, and nailed together without a top. Tliese 

 inverted over the rows, make a neat covering. The 

 effectual method, however, is to fix boards along the 

 front of the vines, and close to them. Fill in the space 

 thus formed along the front of the house with dry tree- 

 leaves. The vines are thus enveloped in a good non- 

 conducting material that will maintain a low yet even 

 temperature through the winter. It is difficult to con- 

 vince some persons that these exotics require such effect- 

 ual protection, but the extreme cold of the last few win- 

 ters has in part convinced them of its necessity. Through- 

 out the winter let the houses be kept cool, by opening 

 the ventilators every clear day, and close up at liif^l.*., o^ 

 at all times when the weather is cloudy, and during 

 severe frosts. 



