122 On the Construction of Brick Pits, 



if the blossoms are not impregnated during the months of March 

 and April, very little fruit will be obtained from the vines. In the 

 spring of 1831, we had three hills of plants, one of which was in 

 a much more forward state than the others ; the plants having 

 been obtained, when young, from a friend who had raised them 

 before our bed was put into operation. They grew vigorously, 

 and came into flower some time before those which we sowed our- 

 selves ; the blossoms were all pistillate ones, each showing embryo 

 fruit. They continued to appear for above a fortnight, without 

 opening a staminate flower ; not one of the fruit swelled off, and 

 we gave up the hope of seeing any, for some time, when it occur- 

 red to us, that if we could procure from some person, who had 

 plants in flower, a few blossoms to impregnate them, there would 

 be no difficulty of their growing ; this was done, and in less than 

 twenty-four hours afterwards, the fruit had swelled to double its em- 

 bryo size. A few days after this, the staminate blossoms opened 

 on the other plants ; but still the fruit would not swell, unless the 

 blossoms were regularly impregnated. In the summer time, when 

 they are grown in the open air, there is no need of the operation ; 

 as bees and the free circulation of air accomplish the object ; but 

 in a frame, where the sashes are opened only a few inches, during 

 March and April, or earlier in the season, there is not a free circu- 

 lation of air sufficient to fertilize the blossoms, and recourse must 

 be had to other means. We have tried the experiment two or 

 three seasons in succession, and are convinced of the truth of these 

 observations. The operation is performed as follows : — When the 

 flowers are in full bloom, (which is generally about 9 o'clock in 

 the morning,) cut off one of the staminate ones, and cut or tear 

 off all the petals, being very careful, in doing this, not to destroy 

 the farina ; then, holding the pistillate blossom in the left hand, so 

 as not to injure the young fruit, apply the staminate one, and giv- 

 ing it a twirl once or twice, let it remain in the flower ; it is impor- 

 tant that this should be done in the morning, as, in the afternoon, 

 the flowers close up, and there is some danger that the operation 

 will have no effect. Such flowers, with young fruit, as look weak 

 and puny, should be cut off, and not be suffered to grow ; as they 

 take away the strength from the others. Only one fruit should be 

 allowed to grow at a joint, and when it is shaded too much by the 

 leaves, they should be cut away, that it may acquire a good deep 

 color ; it may also be laid upon a piece of slate or glass. 



During this month, the bed should be uncovered earlier than 

 the last. Begin by uncovering it at 8 o'clock in the morning, and 

 gradually earlier, so that, at the last part of the month, the covering 

 may be taken off" at 7 o'clock. At night, it should be covered up 

 at 6 o'clock, and gradually later toward the end of the month, 

 when it may be done at 7 o'clock. On no account omit a single 

 night, as a sudden change in the weather, (which often happens 



