62 THE G RAP K. 



hose morning and evening, and during dry weather in the 

 middle of the day, avoiding the application in the brightest 

 sunshine. Do not give any bottom air until a vigorous 

 iind strong action is obtained, and not then without great 

 caution, for it causes cold drafts in the lower parts of the 

 house and checks growth, rendering the vines subject to 

 mildew. Shut up early to retain a genial warmth before 

 sunset, and gradually increase the temperature, so that at 

 the beginning of May the thermometer may stand at 90 

 at mid-day ; in cloudy weather keep all closed and en- 

 deavor to keep as steady a heat as possible. By the latter 

 end of the month, the vines ought to be growing vigor- 

 ously : tie the canes up carefully as they progress, leaving 

 the ties semewhat loose to give room for after swelling, 

 and as the laterals push, pinch them off to one joint, re- 

 serving one or two entire at the top at each pinching in 

 case of accident to the leader, and likewise take clean out 

 the lower ones, or those last left with one leaf, at each 

 future operation. By this mode of proceedure they are 

 gradually reduced, and finally taken away, without endan- 

 gering the bursting of the buds in the axil of the leaf- 

 stalks, the which are wanted for the next year. The 

 heat may now be increased to 95 J , still recollecting to ply 

 the syringe freely, excepting in dull or cold nights, when 

 water ought to be withheld, as under such circumstances 

 it is apt to starve and check the circulation a matter of 

 great importance. 



The roots will now be extending in proportion to the 

 expansion of head, and must have some attention; for 

 here are the mouths, and here are also the digestive organs, 

 and woe betide the other members of the body if they 

 are not well supplied. Equally with the amount of 

 healthy foliage will they draw moisture from the base in 

 which they are located, so long as free development is 



