68 THE GRAPE. 



The temperature should now be regulated as advised for 

 the same period last year, in the preceding chapter. 



When the young shoots begin to elongate, sling the 

 canes loosely to the wires, but some distance from the 

 glass, as the further off for a short time the safer they will 

 be from accidental frosty nights. So soon as danger is 

 past, tie them finally in their places, leaving the strings 

 loose enough for future swelling, and be careful in training 

 the leading shoot upwards, as at this time it is very brittle 

 and easily broken. If not quite straight with the older 

 cane, the better way is to bring it into the right position, 

 a little at a time, when the woody fibre begins to form in 

 the base. 



The bunches will now be clearly discernible, and when 

 they have fairly unfolded from the buds, so as to show 

 their form, and comparative strength, take out all except- 

 ing the strongest and handsomest one upon each shoot, 

 and remove likewise the tops of the side branches, beyond 

 the third or fourth leaf above the bunch. These will 

 again break from the top eye, and as they do so, from 

 time to time, nip out the leader to one leaf above where 

 it was last stopped ; this keeps the branches within bounds, 

 and at the same time leaves sufficient foliage to mature 

 the fruit and perfect growth. 



When the blossoms begin to expand withhold water 

 overhead, let the atmosphere become somewhat drier, and 

 keep up a little more heat, and if the weather will allow 

 it, a freer circulation of air, from 85 to 90 at mid-day is 

 not too much, close with good warmth in the afternoon 

 and open soon enough in the morning, to prevent a scald- 

 ing smell in the house. At all times, with a clear sun in 

 the morning, ventilate so soon as the house begins to warm 

 a little, and close early ; the temperature by these means 

 rises and falls gradually. Nothing is worse in all plant 



