CULTIVATION OF FRUIT 



293 



be removed, but taking, for example, the well-known variety, Black 



Hamburgh, in a properly thinned bunch about half the berries will have 



been cut away. These, when finally thinned, should be about half an 



inch apart. Keep in view the shape of the bunch, and endeavour to 



equally regulate the distance between the berries. Always leave a good 



number upon the uppermost shoulders, which must be looped to the 



trellis above with a piece of matting if they droop down. It is 



necessary to look over the bunches 



in the course of two or three 



weeks, for some of the berries 



may have been left too thickly 



when first thinned. When four 



leaves have developed beyond the 



bunch of Grapes, pinch back the 



shoot to within two or three 



leaves of the bunch, according to 



the amount of space at disposal. 



Sometimes the bunch originates 



nearer the base of the shoot than 



at other times, thus allowing 



space for leaves beyond. 



As the berries are swelling 

 freely, a night temperature of 65 

 degrees should be maintained, 

 and little fire heat is necessary 

 in early summer. In a few 

 weeks' time, it will be noticed 

 that the berries have apparently 

 ceased to swell. What is known 

 as the stoning period has arrived, 

 and for about a fortnight, or rather 

 more, no material difference is 

 visible in the size of the berries. 

 The reason is that the energies 

 of the Vine are then directed to- 

 wards the development of the 

 seeds. On no account allow a 

 high temperature to prevail at 

 this period, for the berries can- 

 not then be forced to swell, and 

 injury might easily result. It 



is not difficult to discern when the stoning period is over, for the berries 

 again quickly increase in size, and continue to do so for several weeks. 

 Still close the house early in the afternoon, and moisten the walls, &c., 

 to create a warm, genial atmosphere. A considerable quantity of water 

 is now required. The border must not become dry, or a check to the 

 plant and its fruit results. Liquid manure water is beneficial at this 

 period. Before many weeks have passed, some of the bunches will begin 

 to change colour. At first they are tinged with light-red, become reddish 



VINE. AN UNTHINNED BUNCH 



