85 



advance, for the most part, taking place in the day, 

 more especially in the afternoons of those bright and 

 sunny. By the time the blossom is fairly developed, 

 a day temperature of 70 degs. ought to be insured, if 

 possible, sinking at night to 60 degrees. On sunny 

 days the thermometer may be allowed to rise to 85 

 degs., from two o'clock until four, provided a slight 

 circulation or motion in the air be provided : this 

 latter is of much importance under high tempera- 

 tures, for it will prevent scorching, which sometimes 

 takes place if much atmospheric moisture is present 

 under a high temperature without motion. As the 

 leaf is being developed, some alternations of moisture 

 and comparative dryness must be allowed to take 

 place. As a general maxim, we would say, ventilate 

 rather freely, and allow the atmospheric moisture to 

 be dispersed, from nine o'clock a.m. until two 

 o'clock p.m., after which, close and encourage at- 

 mospheric humidity — not, however, all at once, if 

 sunny — reduce the air in part at two o'clock, and 

 close for the evening at three. During the "break- 

 ing period " the syringe may be freely applied when- 

 ever necessary, in order to keep the wood in a some- 

 what moist state ; for ordinary purposes, twice a-day 

 will suffice : for instance, very early in the morning, 

 and again about three o'clock p.m. One of the most 

 important points to be practised, during the " break- 

 ing period," is disbudding the vine. By this, prac- 

 tical men mean, as a general principle, removing all 



