240 OPEN AIR GKAPE CULTURE. 



removed band increased in size beyond that portion 

 of the rod below the band. 



The effect upon the berries was, in every instance, 

 to advance their early ripening a fortnight, and to 

 about double the size and weight of the berries, when 

 compared with those grown on unrung branches of. 

 the same vine. Nor was the color and bloom of the 

 berries diminished ; indeed, so excellent were they, 

 that we have seen them exhibited deservedly by the 

 side of grapes grown under glass, and they were sold 

 in November, at Winchester, for half-a-crown a 

 pound. 



Ringing the branches of fruit-trees, to render them 

 fruitful, was practised in France, and recommended 

 there in print, about a century and a half since. 

 There are various letters upon the subject in the 

 early volumes of the " Horticultural Society's Trans- 

 actions,," and in one of them (vol. 1, page 107), 

 published in 1808, Mr. Williams, of Pitmaston, gives 

 full directions for ringing the grape vine. He tells 

 the result, in these words : " I invariably found that 

 the fruit not only ripened earlier, but that the ber- 

 ries were considerably larger than usual, and more 

 highly flavored." — Editor of the Cottage Gardener. 1 



