410 Allen on the Cnlttire of the Grai~>e. 



the middle of February ; the third year, the first of FebniaTy, and so on, 

 fifteen days earlier every year, until you reach the first of December ; be- 

 yond this you can hardly go, as this allows only time to prune and clean the 

 vine after it has gone into rest. 



In a house that is forced in December or January, every year, (en pounds 

 of grapes is quite as much as each vine will perfect, on an average of 

 years." — p. 23. 



From the Diary of the vines during the last winter, we 

 learn that fires were first made, and forcing commenced De- 

 cember 20th, 1S46! First flowers opened February 15th. 

 Grapes began to color April 10th. Fully ripe May 20th. 

 Being a period of five months. 



The retarding of vines has been tried by Mr. Allen. And 

 he still continues the practice, producing grapes by the means 

 very late in autumn. The treatment of the vines is the 

 same as for the grapery, the only difference being the exclu- 

 sion of the snn by shading with mats, to keep them back as 

 much as possible. The vines are usually retarded about ten 

 days : — 



" Early in March, the sun must be excluded from the house ; this can be 

 done by spreading sails, or mats, over the glass ; the doors and lights must 

 be open day and night when the temperature is above freezing. 



In May, when the vines push their buds, the covering must be removed 

 from the glass: keep the temperature as low as possible, night and day, 

 during the summer ; the end of May, or early in June, the vines should be 

 put to the rods, or trellis. 



Early in July, the grapes will be in blossom ; apply the sulphur now to 

 the floor of the house, and observe the vines carefully during this and the 

 next month ; if the mildew appear on the wood, fruit, or foliage, shut the 

 house at night, and apply more sulphur. Never allow it to remain on the 

 fruit; if, by accident, any should get on, brush it off immediately,— open- 

 ing the house by day, as in any grapery. Early in August, the grapes will 

 require to be thinned. 



In October, when the nights become cool, close the doors and windows, 



{ivhcre it has not been done before on account of mildew,) giving as much air, 



and keeping as low a temperature, {rvhen the sun shines,) by day, as possible. 



In November, small fires must be made and kept up in the night-lime and 



in cloudy weather. 



The fruit will be ripe the last of November and in December ; after 

 which, the house must be kept as dry as possible, having sufficient fires 

 to keep out the frost. 



After the fruit and foliage are off, prune the vines, and protect them 

 from the frost."— pp. 31. 32. 



