CULTURE OF THE VINE. 15 



CHAPTER II. 



CULTURE OF THE MUSCAT GRAPE. 



MUCH anxiety and disappointment is often experienced in 

 growing the Muscat Grape, and, in consequence of repeated 

 failures, it is altogether discarded from many places where its 

 presence would greatly enhance the value of the dessert ; for, 

 after all, there is no grape that will bear a competition with it 

 when grown as it ought to be ; but it is too frequently the case 

 to see these grapes present a miserable appearance, the berries 

 thinly set in the bunch, poorly swelled, and badly coloured. 

 To avoid the latter evils, I will endeavour to state, as clearly 

 as I can, the result of my practice, and which has been, in a 

 great measure, attended with tolerable success. 



The house, like all other vineries, as before stated, should 

 occupy as high a situation in the garden as will ensure good 

 drainage, free and pure air, and be at the same time sheltered 

 from the north and east winds. From the plan of the house 

 given, it will be observed that the vines are planted in the 

 centre of the house, which I consider the only sure method 

 whereby good fruit can be from year to year obtained. In 

 certain situations, and favourable seasons, good Muscats may 

 be had by planting the vines in the common way ; but where 

 doubt exists, and fruit in perfection is required, I can with 

 confidence recommend the following directions; We will 



