NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 13 



timely thinning. In the case of grapes intended to hang 

 late, thinning should be all the more pronounced. The 

 strength of the vine should be the standard by which to 

 judge the weight of crop it will be able to mature, without 

 deterioration of the quality of the fruit or injury to the future 

 bearing of the vine. It is, therefore, safer to allow one 

 bunch only to remain on a shoot than two or three, even 

 though the vine be strong and vigorous. The borders, both 

 inside and outside the house, should have a good soaking of 

 liquid manure while the berries are swelling, and just 

 as they commence to colour. Before soaking the border, 

 point the surface over very lightly and somewhat roughly. 

 It will then drink in the moisture regularly and deeply, 

 instead of, as is too often the case, allowing it to pass over 

 the surface with scarcely a drop finding its way to the roots. 

 After soaking the border, a light mulching over to prevent 

 evaporation will be of great advantage. Should the slightest 

 trace of mildew appear, dust the affected parts immediately 

 with flour of sulphur, and for a few days keep the atmosphere 

 rather dry and the temperature somewhat higher. Where 

 due preparation has been made for planting, the present is 

 about the best time for planting out young vines struck from 

 eyes early in the year. With plenty of heat, moisture, and 

 a genial atmosphere they will develop into fine canes, reach- 

 ing the ridge of the house before the end of the season. 

 The growth of newly-planted vines should be stimulated by 

 affording them plenty of heat and moisture and closing 

 early in the afternoon, with abundance of sun heat. In the 

 case of early forced vineries, as soon as the crop is cut it is 

 important that they should have abundance of air, and a 

 free circulation of it. Care, too, should be taken to syringe 

 the foliage frequently, both to keep red spider in check and 

 the former clean and vigorous until they have fulfilled their 

 functions. 



Cucumbers in Frames. Cucumbers require much 

 more shade and moisture than melons ; the heat, too, should 

 be well kept up, as they are sure to resent any check result- 

 ing from any deficiency of it. Plants which are in full 

 bearing will be greatly invigorated by having a soaking of 

 liquid manure and a rich top-dressing afterwards. Syringe 



