100 THE GRAPE. 



are in such a state, during the months of July and August, 

 when the sporules of the fungus are most active, it is very 

 necessary to keep careful watch, and avoid as much as 

 possible all sudden transitions of temperature; do not 

 allow the house to be closed until it becomes hot, but 

 admit air freely whenever required; be wary of bottom 

 drafts, keep the lower ventilators closed in damp weather, 

 and if such continues for any length of time with a humid 

 atmosphere, a little artificial heat may be applied for the 

 time being, with the upper ventilators opened, which will 

 keep down the thermometer, dry the air, and stay the 

 progress of the mildew if it be present, or prevent its 

 germination if not so. Sulphur aught to be liberally 

 strewed over the floor for the same purpose, and if a small 

 quantity be thrown on the flue, avoiding the hottest end, or 

 on any part of the hot water pipes, as the case may be, 

 there need not be any fear of its ravages extending. An- 

 other mischief to be expected at times to this crop is, 

 shrivel and shanking, the best means of avoiding which is 

 to continue the same regularity of management that has 

 been observed through the whole progress, and until the 

 fruit is colored ; after this period there is no danger, and 

 the house may afterwards be left open constantly, or par- 

 tially, or entirely closed, as the weather may be wet or 

 frosty. A portion of the grapes in this house will have to 

 remain on the vines during the winter, and must be kept 

 quite dry and free from frost, which makes it necessary to 

 use a trifle of fire-heat at times, just enough, but not more 

 than, to answer the purpose ; and if the berries were not 

 well thinned at the proper time, they ought to be further 

 reduced in number now, so that they may hang loosely, 

 thereby preventing close contact, and admitting a free 

 circulation around each. 



As the fruit often remains beyond the usual time of 



