28 A TREATISE ON THE 



worms, &c. When properly mellowed by exposure to the sun 

 and air, mix both together, adding a little sand, if the soil 

 contains none. In crocking the pots, take care to place the 

 pieces so as to allow the water to pass off freely, and place 

 over them pieces of turf, to prevent the fine mould from 

 getting amongst the crocks and clogging up the hollow 

 spaces, it being most desirable they should be quite free for 

 the escape of moisture, and for the admission of air to the 

 roots ; in potting, press the compost tolerably firm, previously 

 taking care that it is sufficiently dry not to knead. As soon 

 as potted, place them in the house, where they are to remain 

 to complete their growth, training them under the glass, but 

 not nearer to it than sixteen inches : the temperature should 

 be increased from five to ten degrees, keeping a moist atmo- 

 sphere. Use the syringe freely in the evenings, being careful 

 to give air early in the mornings, to allow any excess of 

 moisture to escape, in order to protect the tender foliage from 

 being scorched by the rays of the sun. 



When the vines have grown to the length of eight or 

 twelve feet, it will be necessary to stop them, and if they are 

 as healthy and strong as they ought to be, they will, imme- 

 diately after being pinched off, throw out lateral shoots 

 from the buds at the extreme ends: and as it is of great 

 importance to prevent the other principal buds from breaking 

 (I mean those upon which the crop is depending) for the 

 following season, allow the top lateral to grow to the length 

 of six or eight inches before pinching ; but the lateral shoots, 

 which are emitted from the base of the fruiting buds, you 

 should stop beyond the first joint. Water freely at the roots, 

 and occasionally with a decoction of manure from the sheep- 

 fold. When the wood is thoroughly well matured and perfectly 

 ripe, remove the potted plants from the house, placing them 

 under a south wall until required for early forcing, or other- 

 wise ; protecting the roots with some light substance from the 

 effects of frost, and secure the rods to the wall. 



