under Glass, without Fire Heat. 89 



qualities of a good grape, that erroneous taste will be correct- 

 ed, which places the greatest value upon the largest cluster. 



As a conclusion to the article we are about to notice, we 

 shall add a few remarks upon the planting of the grape ; 

 so that those who are about erecting houses, and setting 

 out vines the coming season, may have something to guide 

 them in the prosecution of their work. 



Some of the finest grapes which have of late years been 

 produced in England, have been grown by Mr. Richard 

 Crawshay. His grapes have been exhibited at the shows 

 of the London Horticultural Society, where they have 

 commanded great admiration, and been awarded the high- 

 est premium. From their excellency, numerous inquiries 

 were made of the editor of the Chroiiicle to give some ac- 

 count of the method in which Mr. Crawshay manages his 

 vines, and in what respect his treatment differs from oth- 

 ers ; and a recent visit to his brother, Mr. George Craw- 

 shay, has enabled him to give some of the principal feat- 

 ures of his mode of cultivation, which are as follows : — 



In the first place, the grapes are grown without the aid 

 of fire-heat, so that the expense is trifling ; and instead of 

 having rich borders of several yards in width, facing the 

 vineries, and lying in a comparatively useless state, or 

 looking unsightly with straw, as is generally the case, the 

 walks are allowed to run close up to the houses, with, as 

 we are assured, no preparation beneath of the ordinary 

 soil, which is of a strong loamy texture. We would not 

 have it inferred from this that we consider a border, prop- 

 erly prepared, to be of no benefit ; we merely state what 

 Mr. Crawshay has effected without that powerful auxiliary. 

 [In a subsequent statement, the Editor remarks that from 

 the above it may be inferred by many persons, that the 

 preparation of vine borders is a matter of secondary impor- 

 tance, and that if vines will grow luxuriantly in one place 

 without the soil being disturbed, they will thrive equally 

 well in another. He does not entertain any such opinion. 

 The superiority of Mr. Crawshay's grapes only shows what 

 judicious treatment, united with a favorable situation, can 

 effect. The soil of the garden is of a strong loamy nature; 

 and if such a soil is properly drained, it is difficult to name 

 one better suited for gardening purposes in general ; but 

 without attention to that essential point, luxuriant vegeta- 

 tion would vainly be expected. The formation of vine 

 Vol. IX. — NO. in. 12 



