272 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



ture and nourishment at the roots during their growth. Vines in cool houses require 

 less moisture than those in heated structures. Damping the borders and all other 

 surfaces in the morning and at closing time suffices from the time of the buds swelling 

 to the grapes ripening. When the vines are flowering and after the grapes are some- 

 what ad\anced in ripening, also in dull weather at any time, syringing is not necessary, 

 r.nd in early summer it is desirable to have the atmosphere dry when there is a prospect 

 of frost at night. Such are the chief points requiring attention in growing grapes in 

 cool houses ; in other respects their treatment corresponds to that of vines in heated 

 structures. 



Vines in Greenhouses. The structures designated greenhouses are almost as variable 

 as the positions they occupy, the term, " greenhouse," having a wide application. It is 

 usually understood to indicate a structure specially devoted to the cultivation of plants 

 that never require a high temperature, yet must be safe from frost. The interior is fur- 

 nished with stages for plants in pots, and not unfrequently climbers are trained up 

 pillars and to trellises beneath the roof. Such a house is no place for vines unless the 

 climbers are discarded, and they might very well be dispensed with in many cases 

 through their being so liable to the attacks of insects. Vines will not flourish where they 

 cannot have abundance of sun, and they can hardly be expected to grow and bear well 

 where they cannot have a proper medium for the roots. A large border is not necessary, 

 and in many places the natural soil is as good for vines as any that can be prepared. The 

 great point is good drainage. Calcareous or siliceous soil answers when loosened and 

 enriched to a depth of 2 feet. The vines should be trained to the wires under the rafters, 

 and the bearing shoots, about 18 inches apart on both sides of the rods, can be trained to 

 wires 9 inches from the centre wire and 15 inches from the glass. By this arrangement 

 and the vines not nearer each other than 4 feet 6 inches, the plants beneath receive a 

 considerable amount of light, whilst the vines enjoy abundance, and the grapes often 

 equal those grown in proper vineries. 



A moist, confined atmosphere should always be avoided in a greenhouse; cold 

 draughts and improper ventilating are equally to be condemned. When the current is 

 cold and strong, air may be admitted on the opposite side to that from which the wind 

 blows. During warm weather too much air can scarcely be given, and a little ventila- 

 tion at the apex, especially when the house is closely glazed, is advisable whenever the 

 weather is mild. These remarks apply to greenhouse plants as well as to vines, and 

 both will answer in the same temperature. In winter vines will rest in a temperature 



