Grape Culture. 



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 f 



CHAPTER I. 



CONSTRUCTION OF THE VINERY. 



IN fixing upon the shape, as well as the site of a Vinery, 

 local circumstances must be taken into consideration, as to 

 whether it is made lean-to, semi-span, or full-span. If 

 there is an existing wall of sufficient height, and good aspect, 

 the lean-to will of course be most suitable. Although there 

 is no fixed width for a vinery, it is very desirable that it should 

 be of a good width : that is, it ought not to be under 15 feet, 

 and nearer 20 feet if this can be managed. A very fair size is 

 18 feet ; and with a back wall of say 17 feet, this will give a 

 rafter of 22 feet, with 4 feet in front. A drawing of a lean-to 

 vinery is given. 



In the construction of such a vinery, details must of 

 necessity be left largely in the builder's hands, but there are 

 certain things which ought to be considered essential. First, 

 the stability of the structure. A 22-feet rafter of the ordinary 

 section, say, 7 inches by 2\ inches, must be supported or it will 

 sag very badly. This support may be given by upright pillars 

 under each alternate rafter, with a strong angle iron running 

 the whole length from end to end, supported by the pillars. 

 Another method is by having strong cast-iron brackets at the 

 bottom of each rafter bolted to the front framework, and a 

 similar bracket at the top bolted to the back wall. This latter 

 makes a very substantial roof, and is quite in accordance with 

 sound construction. The main wall must be supported on 

 pillars and arched over ; or, what is still better, the wall 

 between the pillars supported on light iron beams or plates. 



