30 A TREATISE ON THE 



a convenient bench on which to rest the hand and ball whilst 

 cautiously removing the crocks, and any objectionable soil, or 

 worms, and taking the utmost care in so doing not to injure 

 the roots. When so prepared, place the ball on the surface of 

 the soil in the bottom of the trough. Proceed with another 

 vine, and so on till the whole are done, leaving a space of 

 about three inches between the ball of each to be filled up 

 with the same compost as used under them. Cover the 

 surface of the roots about one or two inches deep ; the 

 soil, previously to being put round the roots of the vines, 

 must be warmed to the same temperature as the house. 

 As soon as all are tied in their proper places, a good 

 syringing will much assist them; but do not water at the 

 roots for a few days, except it be absolutely necessary. If 

 any water is given, let it be done by pouring it immediately 

 on the balls. 



Before a week has expired after removing the vines into the 

 troughs, they will begin to show the benefit they are deriving 

 from the change. When sufficiently advanced, stop each shoot 

 one joint beyond the fruit, and leave only one bunch to each, 

 and from eight to twelve to every vine, according to their 

 strength. A heavier crop would deteriorate both from 

 the size and colour of the berries. A plentiful supply of 

 water will now be necessary, which can be given abundantly 

 without fear of injury from stagnation ; provided the direc- 

 tions given for the formation of the trough have been strictly 

 attended to. 



Much is gained by very early thinning, which must be 

 carried out according to the instructions given in the previous 

 chapters. The general treatment will require to be the same 

 as described in Chapter I., with this exception, however, that 

 the troughs will require almost a daily supply of water after 

 the vines are fully established. When the fruit has arrived at 

 maturity, and has all been cleared off, the vines maybe removed 

 with care, and placed against a wall, protecting the roots from 



