92 On the Cultivation of Grapes 



subject of some subsequent remarks ; part of these we 

 have added above ; it is also stated that the regularity and 

 size of the berries are remarkable ; their ripeness and fla- 

 vor are all that can be desired ; and they exhibit that rug- 

 gedness of skin which is one of the principal characteris- 

 tics of a good black Hamburgh. 



In the fall of the year the open spaces between the laps 

 of glass are of essential benefit; the currents of air passing 

 through them preventing that condensation of moisture 

 upon the glass which always takes place in closely-glazed 

 vineries when shut up at night. 



The following is the treatment which is adopted after 

 the grapes are ripe ; air is admitted to the houses every 

 morning between 8 and 9 o'clock, in fine weather, both in 

 front and at the top ; in rainy days by means of the front 

 sashes only. When a frost occurs of sufficient intensity to 

 render fire-heat necessary, just so much is applied as will 

 keep the temperature of the house at 35 degrees. 



The weight of one of the clusters exhibited at the exhi- 

 bition of the London Horticultural Society in November, 

 was 1 lb. 2 oz. ; estimated number of berries 60; giving an 

 av^erage weight of three grains. The Banksian medal was 

 awarded to Mr. Crawshay for six fine bunches. 



In summing up the merits of Mr. Crawshay's practice, 

 the principal point seems to be the large spaces which are 

 left between the panes of glass. The paved floor, — the 

 unprepared border — the mode of pruning — and other items 

 of management, do not, in our opinion, add materially to 

 the result which is obtained, though undoubtedly the sim- 

 ple act of ventilation, unless well understood, will make a 

 vast difference in the color and flavor of the grape. We do 

 not hesitate to say that the open laps are the chief agent 

 which enables Mr. Crawshay to produce such superior 

 fruit. All experienced cultivators are well aware that the 

 nearer the vines are to the glass, provided there is suffi- 

 cient room for the leaves, the better they flourish : the wood 

 attains to a more mature growth (an object of importance), 

 and the grapes are higher colored and finer flavored ; this 

 result can be no other than that what circulation of fresh air 

 there is, even in a carefully glazed house, is of great ben- 

 efit : the vines will obtain nearly or quite as much light 

 two or four feet from the glass, but that ruddiness of growth 

 which they have when near it, and which is a sure sign of 



