GRAPE VINES IN UNHEATED HOUSES. 271 



65, and close at 75. With the foliage fully out commence ventilating at 65, and 

 increase it with the increasing heat. In dull weather only a little ventilation is needed 

 to insure a change of atmosphere. In bright weather the heat will rise much higher 

 than the degrees mentioned, and will do good with full ventilation by securing sturdy wood 

 and well developed foliage. When the vines are in flower, admit a little air constantly, 

 and with the grapes set and swelling, open the ventilators a little at 70, increasing the 

 air at 75, having the ventilation full when the temperature is between 80 and 85, 

 and maintain that temperature whenever opportunity offers. Close before the heat 

 has declined below 80, and if it rise to 85, 90, or 95, with a declining sun, it 

 will benefit the grapes, which swell best in a moist, warm atmosphere. A little air 

 admitted at the top of the house before nightfall allows the pent-up vitiated air to be 

 changed, and it is a good safeguard against scorching in the morning. Thermometers 

 for indicating the temperatures must be shaded from the sun. When the grapes are 

 ripening, open the top and bottom ventilators about equally, so as to insure a circulation 

 of dry, warm air, and do not close so early as previously. This causes the night tem- 

 perature to be lower, and rests the vines, thus enabling them the better to mature the 

 crop and wood. When the grapes are ripe admit air more freely, both day and night, 

 except in dull foggy weathdr. 



The great evil to contend against with ripe grapes in cool houses is damp. If the 

 air becomes still and cold, moisture condenses on the berries, decay speedily following. 

 There is no better preventive than to cut a small hole in the middle of a circular piece 

 of cardboard, large enough to cover the bunch of grapes, with a slit from one side of the 

 disc to admit the stem of the bunch. These covers shield the berries from the descend- 

 ing moisture, and with a little air constantly, increased early on fine mornings, the 

 grapes keep sound for some time. But it is a safer plan to cut the grapes after they 

 become ripe with sufficient wood for insertion in bottles of water with a few pieces of 

 charcoal. The leaves, if not off, should be removed. The bottles should be fixed in an 

 inclined position so that the bunches hang clear in a dry room, from which frost is 

 excluded. The grapes may then keep sound until Christmas, if berries with the least 

 signs of decay are promptly removed. 



With free ventilation day and night after the grapes are cut the foliage and wood 

 become mature. Prune the vines shortly after the leaves fall. Keep the border 

 moderately moist during the winter if the roots are inside, supply water in March so as 

 to bring the soil into a thoroughly moist state, and never allow the vines to lack mois- 



