844 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



towards giving it a fair start and allowing it to become well 

 established. 



There are two well-recognised methods of training the vine. In 

 the first case the season's growth is cut back yearly hi December 

 or early January to within one or two eyes of the main stem, and 

 in the other it is permitted to extend each season with reasonable 

 stoppings at the extremities. The first, which is known as the 

 " spur " system, is by far the most suitable for a small house, 

 since it enables one to keep the growth within reasonable limits 

 and is more conducive to satisfactory fruit-production. 



So soon as the vines are in flower the atmosphere of the house 

 should be kept drier than has been the case during the earlier 

 stages of the plant's growth. The damping down of the floor 

 should only be done on hot days, when the sun is shining brightly, 

 and the heat in the pipes must be kept in check. A temperature 

 of 70 by day and 60 by night is all that is necessary. A 

 gentle tapping of the branches twice a day will help to " set " 

 the fruit, and at this stage it is important to remember that the 

 vine should never be allowed to lack for moisture at the roots. 

 Weak doses of liquid manure may be given once a fortnight. 



If large luscious fruit is desired the branches of grapes must be 

 rigorously thinned out as soon as the fruits have attained the size 

 of well-developed peas. A pair of grape-thinning scissors with sharp 

 points should be used for this purpose, care being taken as the 

 superfluous fruits are removed that the grapes that are allowed 

 to remain are not bruised in any way. The slightest touch may 

 damage them and cause an unsightly scar when the fruit attains 

 its maturity. 



The crop must be gathered as soon as it is ripe. Afterwards all 

 the efforts of the grower will be directed to inducing the plant to 

 go to rest during the winter. This process will be assisted by 

 giving plenty of air hi the house, and keeping the border in a 

 healthy condition. 



Diagram 60 suggests an inexpensive method of constructing 

 a small vinery, which will appeal to the ingenious amateur who 

 combines carpentry with his favourite hobby. A dry, gravelly 



