200 OPEX AIR GRAPE CULTURE. 



of the grape. Figs. 58 and 59 show the blossom. 

 The change from the hud to the blossom is usually 

 rapid, and takes place about thirty to forty days after 

 the shoot appears in the spring which bears the fruit. 

 This bud, which forms the blossom, consists of a 

 covering, or cap, and the embryo berry with five 

 anthers, which, when the time for inflorescence has 

 come, is raised, or lifted, by the anthers, and the 

 wind blows this cap free. 



" The third is the blossom or embryo grape, with 

 the anthers clipped and deprived of their farina ; on 

 the top of the embryo is the pistil ; upon this is to be 

 placed the farina, or pollen of the male plant ; when 

 this is done, impregnation takes place, and the em- 

 bryo rapidly swells oif. If the operation has not 

 been effectual, the berry will remain as it is. When 

 the grape has attained one-third or one-half its size, 

 it remains stationary two or three weeks, and at this, 

 time it is perfecting the seed. When this is done, 

 the fruit begins growing again ; thus it appears the 

 seed will vegetate, even if the fruit does not ripen 

 sufficiently to be eatable." 



Loudon's directions for saving and sowing seed are 

 as follows : " Grapes for seed should be permitted to 

 remain on the plant till the fruit is perfectly mature, 

 and the seeds are of a very dark bix)wn color. Tliey 

 should be separated from the pulp, and preserved till 



