CHAPTER XVIII. 



GRAPE GROWING UNDER GLASS. 



"While the low price at which California grapes can 

 be placed on our markets has rendered the raising of 

 grapes in greenhouses, as a commercial venture, decid- 

 edly unprofitable, the vinery is likely to remain a part 

 of private greenhouse establishments, and as there is a 

 dearth of literature upon the subject, a brief statement 

 as to the proper methods to pursue is here appended. 



Writers upon this subject are generally very exact 

 in their advice, but while much depends upon the char- 

 acter of the soil, and the amount of moisture and heat 

 furnished in a forcing grapery, this exact treatment is 

 not so necessary in a cold grapery. In fact, grapes have 

 been grown with success in greenhouses with but little, 

 if any, more care than should be given the hardy grapes 

 in the open air. It is desirable, however, that a well pre- 

 pared bed or border be furnished them, particularly as 

 grapes under proper conditions will live for many years. 



THE GRAPE BORDER. 



In choosing a soil for grapes, the heavy clay as well 

 as the light, sandy loams should not be selected. If 

 nothing better can be secured, the former may be used, 

 as mixed with sand it will be made friable, but the 

 light sandy loams are not lasting enough to be used as 

 the base for the vine compost. If turf can be obtained 

 from an old pasture, that has a thick fibrous sod and a 

 heavy sandy or light clay loam soil, it will be found to 

 be well adapted for grape growing. This should be 



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