96 



THE VINE-DBESSER S MANUAL. 



Upon this " press-floor" is placed the frame, Fig. 29, 

 made of two-inch oak boards — 3 feet square and 18 to 24 

 inches high, fastened together by mortise and tenon, 

 yet so as to be easily taken apart and perforated by 

 holes one-eighth of an inch diameter, about an inch 

 apart, also having notches cut on the lower edge, for 

 the passage of the juice. 



Fig. 29. 



JnutzlitJtUi: 



4x .., 



^ 



Into this frame are poured the mashed grapes. After 

 levelling them off, a covering of inch boards is placed 

 upon them ; this cover is closely fitted to the frame, and 

 can be easily put in and taken out, and upon this a 

 cross piece of oak 6 by 6 inches for the screw to press 

 upon. The screw may be of wood or iron, and is turn- 

 ed by levers inserted in the head. 



The sap which first flows from the press makes the 

 best wine, and that which is last expressed is somewhat 



