PLANTING AND MANAGEMENT. 61 



which, if planted in March, can generally be accomplished. 

 After planting, give a good soaking of water to settle the 

 soil around the roots, but do not allow it to become satu- 

 rated afterwards by too oft repeated applications, the ob- 

 ject being to keep it moderately moist, but not sodden, as 

 the tender roots are soon rotted when not drawing freely. 



If the vines have been prematurely started into growth, 

 which is not desirable ; or it is thought fit to plant those 

 that have been raised from the eye the same spring, the 

 planting ought to be deferred till the middle of April, or 

 beginning of May, even though the house may be ready 

 in due time ; for if planted sooner, they would, under such 

 circumstances, receive a sudden check, from their being 

 removed into a much colder atmosphere than tlfe one they 

 had previously occupied, and which would militate very 

 much against their future prosperity, if not be the cause 

 of failure. 



We will now suppose that the house is planted and all 

 ready for a favorable beginning. For the first two or 

 three weeks keep all as close and cool as possible, only 

 giving sufficient air to lower the temperature. After this 

 time the house may be kept a little warmer, and the vines 

 syringed overhead two or three times a-day. Do not yet 

 apply much w r ater to the roots, only maintaining moisture 

 enough to keep the soil damp, without becoming soaked, 

 as they have not yet got into brisk action, and conse- 

 quently cannot draw much of it up. Avoid dry winds, 

 and retain a moist atmosphere, allowing the thermometer 

 to rise from 70 to 75 in the middle of the day. By the 

 middle of April the buds will be mostly started, rub off 

 all but the strongest one, and mind that it is not injured, 

 or the top broken out. As the young growth continues to 

 extend, the paths, and the whole interior of the house, and 

 likewise the plants, should be damped with the syringe or 



