&, 



dry state. I do not advise the sudden withdrawal 

 of this necessary element during the colouring process, 

 as I find a certain amount of moisture necessary to 

 the final swelling of the berries and healthy action of 

 the leaves. It is a very important matter to keep up 

 a circulation of air by night as well as by day, except 

 when stormy and cold. Pay every attention to the suc- 

 cession-houses by stopping and regulating the shoots as 

 they advance, and keep up a progressive temperature in 

 conformity with the daily increase of light and heat. 



2d and 3d Weeks. — The sun will now have consider- 

 able power, and the coverings of the vine border may be 

 partly removed, except where the crops are in an ad- 

 vanced state. The best plan is to take them off and 

 allow the sun to reach the borders ; and, before it goes 

 down, to replace the coverings so as to keep in the 

 warmth. This should be repeated every sunny day as 

 long as necessary. Borders not covered should be care- 

 fully pricked over with a fork, to allow the heat of the 

 sun and warm rains to penetrate them; whilst rain and 

 snow, as well as frost, ought to be excluded. As is well 

 known, we have very often exceedingly changeable weather 

 in April. Keep the syringe at work, upon young vines 

 breaking, three or four times a day, especially if it is sunny 

 and dry, and endeavour by a moderate moist temperature 



to obtain a uniform growth. On sunny days, give 



80 



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