94 THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



saving of labor, to perform this pruning at regular intervals 

 of a fortnight during the season ; continue this until they 

 cease growing ; the leading cane should be stopped as soon 

 as it reaches the top of the house, leaving one or two laterals 

 at the top to grow a few days, when you should cut back one 

 of them, and leave the other a few days longer, when that 

 must be cut back also. I do not syringe the vines after they 

 are trained to the trellis, and do not think it ever necessary, 

 provided the house is kept moist by watering. 



The vines will begin to bloom early in June ; when the ber- 

 ries are as large as peas, begin to thin them ; cut out all the 

 small ones first ; no rule can be laid down as to the number 

 to be taken out of each bunch, for the same kinds set their 

 fruit more or less thickly in different years, and in different 

 situations. Of Black Hamburgh, I usually cut three out of 

 five berries ; of Zinfindal, eight out of ten ; of Chasselas, 

 when they set well, five out of ten : experience will soon teach 

 one what is proper to be done. If the shoots from the spurs 

 have not been tied to the rods, they should be as soon as the 

 thimiing is over ; do this carefully, and let them be at equal 

 distances ; a little attention to this Avill improve the appear- 

 ance of the vines very much. 



Examine the bunch as the grapes swell ; if they are press- 

 ing together, cut out still more, always taking the smallest 

 berries. In thinning, avoid touching the grapes with the 

 hand ; the moisture of the flesh causes rust ; if it is necessary 

 to handle the bunch, gloves should be worn. After they be- 

 gin to change color, if it is necessary to thin them more, the 

 scissors must be used cautiously, in order not to injure the 

 bloom, and thereby destroy the beauty of the bunch. 



Early in July, spread the sulphur, as directed the last year. 

 The grapes will begin to change color in August, and to 

 ripen about the middle of September. 



" If the fruit-bearing branch be not very vigorous, it ought, 

 in July, to be cut ofi" close to the fruit. In the heat of sum- 

 mer, some leaves are necessary over the fruit to shelter it 



