CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 41 



Airing plays a prominent part in eventual success or failure. Grapes re- 

 quire as much skill when they begin to color as at any other time during their 

 growing season. If they receive a check from any cause at this stage of their 

 development they will not finish up to perfection. It is not wise to water the 

 border at this time if it can be avoided. But this depends entirely on the nature 

 of the soil, some soils drymg out much more quickly than others. If a border 

 receives a thorough soaking when the berries commence their last swelling it 

 ought to carry them over their coloring. It is the aim of fruit men to get intense 

 color and finish. Furthermore, Grapes that color up with perfect finish will 

 hang on the vmes after they are ripe much longer than Grapes that ha\c not 

 colored up properly. 



Airing at this stage is an important factor in the coloring process. Let up 

 somewhat on the moisture, keep a little more bracing atmosphere. Start in 

 with a small crack of air on the bottom vents and gradually increase. The \ines 

 should have all the fresh air possible, providing that the temperature is some- 

 where between 75° and 80° by day and 6,"° and 70° at night. Bottom air should 

 not be used at any time through the Summer until the Grapes start to color 

 for it causes too dry an atmosphere and the l^erries do not seem to swell away 

 so freely. 



It is important to obser\e here that when the border is well iilled with 

 roots, the vines should receive their two main feedings, the first after the Grapes 

 are thinned and the second as they commence their second swelling, after com- 

 pleting their stoning period. 



