36 Grape Culture. 



cause scalding. Night temperature should never exceed 70. 

 Air in the morning before the temperature reaches 75 to avoid 

 scalding, and never let it run above 85 with sun heat, unless 

 the air of the vinery is very dry. 



It will now be seen that grapes require a great deal of 

 attention to ensure perfection. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

 GRAPES COMMENCING TO COIXDUR. 



FOR grapes commencing to colour, a day temperature of 80 

 to 85 (sun heat) ; night, 60 to 65, with a free circulation 

 night and day, is indispensable for laying on the bloom, for 

 colour and finish. At this stage give the borders inside and out 

 another good sprinkling of vine and plant food, fine grade, the 

 coarse grade I do not advise for surface dressing. Water it 

 well in. Mulch with litter. This will be the last watering 

 for the season, unless in exceptionally dry, hot weather. 

 But test the borders regularly after this date and see that they 

 do not suffer from want of water. Ventilate early and keep a 

 circulation of hot water in the pipes if the weather is cold. 

 This will prevent a check or chill. Pay attention to night air 

 at top and bottom ventilators, so as to prevent moisture 

 condensing on the glass and on the berries. This is often called 

 " sweat " on the berries, which must be avoided, as it spoils 

 the bloom. The temperature at this stage will sometimes 

 run very high ; this will do little harm if there is abundance 

 of air. Colouring grapes depends a great deal on the care 

 and work bestowed upon them during the growing season 

 and adjustment of crop ; full exposure to the light from start 

 to finish, and, above all, due supplies of nourishing food in a 

 soluble condition ; properly watered, humid, and dry atmos- 

 phere when required. 



