150 



latter part of May ; of course, the berries were 

 slightly shrivelled, yet not so much as they would 

 have been had they remained on the vines. To suc- 

 ceed, much depends on the situation where the 

 grapes are preserved ; they must not be exposed to a 

 current of warm air, nor yet be so damp as to cause 

 mould. {Ibid. 1841, 662.) 



The best position in which to suspend the bunches, 

 is the reverse of that in which they hang upon the 

 tree ; that is, with the stalk-ends downwards, for the 

 berries are thus better kept from pressing against 

 each other, which is an unfailing cause of mouldi- 

 ness. 



In all cases bagging, by checking evaporation, 

 and excluding insects, promotes the preservation of 

 grapes. It is true, that the preparation of the bags, 

 in the first instance, may be a little troublesome, but 

 when first made, and properly taken care of, they 

 will answer the same purpose for years. They should 

 be made of fine cotton, of various sizes, and prepared 

 in such a manner as to be easily taken off and put on 

 again, if necessary. When thus protected, the fruit 

 will retain its flavour and continue in good condition 

 for a considerable time, even on the open walls, pro- 

 vided the weather is dry and favourable. 



Important as are many of the already enumerated 

 purposes to which the fruit of the vine is applied, 

 yet are they as nothing when compared to its value 



