CULTURE OF THE VINE. 29 



The following directions are alone applicable to the forcing 

 of young vines raised from eyes, and treated in the manner 

 previously described. The period at which the grapes are 

 required to be ripe must be the guide as to the time of 

 commencing forcing. Prune the vines as soon as they are 

 leafless, by merely cutting them to the length required ; when 

 pruned, wash them with rain-water, using a little soft soap 

 and sulphur, that has been previously boiled together, which 

 would cleanse and otherwise benefit the wood and buds. The 

 temperature for the first fortnight should range from fifty to 

 fifty -five degrees, and gradually increase it to seventy degrees. 

 Syringe freely with tepid water, and keep a genial moist 

 atmosphere until the vines are broken, when less moisture will 

 be required. From the constant humidity which has been 

 kept up, and the frequent use of the syringe, only a little 

 water at the roots will be required; but, if dry, give them 

 sheep-manure water. In order to prevent the mould from 

 becoming impure it will be necessary to secure a quick and 

 free drainage, which would be greatly assisted by raising the 

 pots on two separate pieces of wood or brickbats, placed under 

 each edge ; you will thus also have a more general circulation 

 of heat round the pots. When the buds are regularly broken, 

 and each shoot advanced to the length of six inches, prepare 

 to plant the vines into a trough, as shown in the plan. The 

 advantage to be derived is immense, by securing to them all 

 the benefit of a border, independent of giving every root and 

 branch an equal temperature, which is so essential to promote 

 their perfection. First place upon the laths forming the 

 bottom of the trough a layer of pieces of turf of about three 

 inches square, to prevent the fine mould from being washed 

 down ; next put a layer of two or three inches deep of the 

 following compost, viz., equal quantities of rich turfy loam 

 and rotted manure from the farmyard, with the addition of a 

 little sand. Proceed to remove the vines from the pots by 

 turning the ball upside down on the palm of the hand, having 



