306 GRAPE. 



others, should have their shoulders suspended to the trellis, 

 or to the branches, by strands of fresh matting, when the 

 berries are about the size of garden peas. At the same time, 

 the clusters should be regularly thinned out with narrow 

 pointed scissors, to the extent of from a fourth to a third 

 part of the berries. The other close-growing kinds, as the 

 Frontignacs, Muscats, &c., should likewise be moderately 

 thinned, observing to thin out ths small seedless berries only 

 of the Muscadine, Sweet Water, and flame-coloured Tokay. 

 In this manner, handsome bunches and full-swelled berries 

 may be obtained ; but more so, if the clusters or over-bur- 

 dened plants be also moderately thinned away. Indeed, 

 cutting off the clusters, to a certain extent, of plants over- 

 loaded, and pushing weak wood, are the only means by 

 which to cause them, to produce shoots fit to bear 

 fruit next year; and this should be duly attended to, 

 so long as the future welfare of the plants is a matter 

 of importance. 



The preceding observations may be considered as falling 

 short of what may be expected on the cultivation of so 

 important a fruit as the Grape ; but it is introduced into this 

 book only as a garden fruit. The modes of training in 

 vineyards and vineries, are alike suited to the garden. Low 

 training may be practised in borders or hedge rows, in large 

 gardens ; and high training in sheltered situations, on high 

 trellises or arbours. By proper management, the Vine may 

 be elevated to the middle story of a house by a single stem* 

 and afterwards trained to a great height, according to the 

 taste of the proprietor. As the Vine is often trained near 

 buildings, an awning may be conveniently formed over the 

 tops so as to admit of fumigating the Vine with smoke from 

 tobacco, &c., as may be necessary in the Summer season ; 

 or a sort of movable tent may be made of light boards, and 

 cheap glazed linen, or an old sail,&c., capable of covering 

 the Vine while a smoke is created underneath ; this will 

 effectually destroy such insects as may annoy the Vine, and 

 may prevent mildew and other diseases. 



