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the berries apart must be regulated in the main by 

 their size, as also whether they are required to hang 

 long on the tree. If for the latter purpose, they 

 should be thinned so that no two berries could be 

 said to touch in a general way when full swelled. 

 We are perfectly aware that it may be urged that the 

 bunches will not " dish" so well. There is some 

 truth in this ; but such a trifling point should give 

 way to keeping principles, which are sometimes of 

 much greater importance. The Hambro' is one of 

 the worst to " dish" when over-thinned ; the Tokays 

 will always lay firm, as will also the Frontignacs. 

 As a general maxim, we would say thin liberally but 

 progressively : it may be done at three distinct pe- 

 riods : first, thin away the crowded berries in the in- 

 terior of the bunch ; secondly, "set them out," as it 

 is termed, that is, form the character of the bunch ; 

 and thirdly, go over the bunches when the berries 

 are as large as pease, when superfluous berries will 

 be readily seen. Take care that a fine- pointed pair 

 of scissars is provided, and that they work easily in 

 the joint. Some persons steady the bunch while 

 thinning by holding a condemned berry in the left 

 hand ; others use a smooth aud pointed stick to se- 

 parate the shoulders. Whatever mode is adopted, 

 much care is necessary, and neither head, hand, nor 

 scissars, should be allowed to gall or chafe the berries. 

 If such accident occur, cut the berries away at once. 

 5. First Swelling of the Berry. — We come 



