0)1 the Cultivation of Grape Vines in Gi^eenhouses. 543 



of the heat contained m it at that season. It fortunately hap- 

 pens that I have now sound data to proceed upon, in giving 

 directions in this matter. The following returns are taken 

 from Mr. Thompson's Tables of Ground Temperature at 

 Chiswick, which will apply, with little variation, to the 

 greater part of Britain and Ireland: — 



I would advise, therefore, that the border should be cov- 

 ered with a light covering of dry leaves, about the end of 

 September, for the temperature of the border will fall consid- 

 erably in October, as will be seen from the above table. A 

 covering of water-proof canvas should also be applied to 

 carry off heavy rains. As soon as a sufficient quantity of 

 leaves can be collected, they should be laid on about eighteen 

 inches thick. Where leaves cannot be had sufficiently long, 

 dung or fern might be used instead. But, whatever material 

 is applied, it must not be forgotten that protection from the 

 rain is indispensable, or the heat of the border will be exceed- 

 ingly variable. 



The covering should be removed about the middle of May, 

 when the border should be forked over. It should be fre- 

 quently stirred with the Dutch hoe, during summer, but es- 

 pecially after heavy rains. If the border is managed in this 

 manner, it will seldom require any watering if situated in 

 the western part of Britain or Ireland. In the eastern part 

 of this island, the watering of the border should be attended 

 to when necessary, but especially at the commencement of 

 the last swelling of the grapes. The water should have been 

 warmed by exposure to the air. 



Temperature of the house. — If the house were covered with 

 water-proof canvas at night, during frosty weather, very little 

 fire heat would be requisite, and vines and all plants kept in 

 the greenhouse, much benefited. In winter the thermometer 

 should never exceed 40° when the assistance of artificial heat 

 is required. About the beginning of March, when the buds 

 of the vines are well swelled, the heat should be raised to 50° 

 if dull weather, and 60° or 65° during the day, if clear 



