MISCELLANEOUS. 195 



think of cultivating extensively a variety that required 

 it ; still, there are varieties which are highly recom- 

 mended by some persons, that will seldom mature more 

 than half the fruit that sets. The bunches of these 

 should be thinned. These varieties often possess valuable 

 qualities, and if persons have time to give them the 

 requisite care, really excellent fruit may be obtained. 



The compactness of the bunch is often variable with 

 the same variety in different localities ; in one the berries 

 may be very much crowded, and in another compara- 

 tively loose. In the former case the berries will not only 

 be much smaller, but they will often burst open, espe- 

 cially if they have a very thin skin. 



Those varieties that produce very compact bunches 

 are always benefited (in appearance, at least) by thinning 

 the berries, and those who are growing such with the 

 expectation of making show bunches, should not neglect 

 this operation. Sometimes it may be beneficial to re- 

 move whole bunches, but when the vines are properly 

 pruned and trained, this will seldom be necessary. 



Bagging the Fruit. Enclosing the growing 

 bunches of grapes in thin manilla paper bags, as a pre- 

 ventive of mildew and black rot, as well as attacks of 

 bees, wasps and other insects, has been largely practiced, 

 of late years, with excellent results. Before applying 

 the bag two or three small holes should be made in the 

 bottom, to allow any water getting in at the top to drain 

 out. The bags should be large enough to allow the full 

 development of the fruit, and applied early in the sea- 

 son, or as soon as the berries are set on the bunch. The 

 use of such a protection will seldom be required to pre- 

 vent fungus diseases, in vineyards where spraying is 

 practiced, but may he useful in saving the fruit from 

 the attacks of bees and insects, especially where perfect 

 and well developed table grapes are desired. 



The first vineyardist to employ paper bags, in this 

 country, as a protective appliance, and of whom I have 



