CULTIVATION OF FRUIT 



299 



and attach the other end to the stock by the method previously de- 

 scribed, finally covering over with matting and clay. Sufficient nourish- 

 ment is contained in the rain water of the bottle to sustain the graft until 

 it has become united with the stock. Do not remove the bottle and 

 covering until the grafted shoot has grown several feet long. 



Vines are largely grown in pots by nurserymen to provide a supply 

 for early forcing, and for replacing old Vines and planting new vineries. 

 A small grower cannot do better than buy good, strong pot Vines for 

 planting out; it is far more satisfactory than attempting to cultivate 

 them oneself. Great heat is necessary, both above and below, to have 

 them of sufficient size and vigour in one season. 



Insect Pests. There are several troublesome pests that attack the 

 Vine, and a season seldom passes without one or more making their 

 appearance. Mildew, a white fungus that attacks the leaves and also 

 the young bunches, is one of the most common, and, if not checked, 

 quickly disfigures a whole house of Vines. 

 The spores of this fungus cannot germi- 

 nate in a warm, dry atmosphere ; moisture 

 is necessary for this. It is, therefore, 

 evident that the latter condition must be 

 avoided, and the vinery kept warm and 

 dry for a few days. Flowers of sulphur 

 dusted on the berries and all affected 

 parts is an excellent remedy. 



The red spider is a minute insect that 

 often attacks the foliage, and, if left alone, 

 would soon destroy it. It always appears 

 to attack the lower surface of the leaves, 

 which have a yellow, unhealthy appear- 

 ance. A hot and dry air favours this 

 pest ; it is often more prevalent near the 

 hot- water pipes. Endeavour, therefore, 

 to maintain a moist atmosphere until it 

 is checked. Syringe the Vines well with 

 clear water daily, and occasionally with a solution of soft soap and warm 

 water. 



Mealy bug when once established in a vinery is difficult to eradi- 

 cate. The most effective remedy is to throw a good handful of sulphur 

 upon a few pieces of hot coke placed in a flower-pot, and allow the fumes 

 to fill the vinery. This must only be done in midwinter, when the 

 Vines are perfectly dormant, and no plant in a green state must, of 

 course, be left in the house, or even in an adjoining one, for sulphur 

 fumes are deadly to vegetation. When the Vines are started in the 

 spring, a look-out must be kept for this insect, and a short time spent 

 each day in going over the Vines with a small brush and a little paraffin. 

 This will kill mealy bug instantly, but the buds of the Vine must not 

 be touched, otherwise they will be injured. 



Vine Culture in the Open Air. Excellent Grapes may be grown out 

 of doors, but their growth must not be neglected. East Anglia is one of the 



VINE EYE IN POT WITH BUD 

 JUST SHOWING 



