under Glass, loithout Fire Heat. 93 



health, is immediately changed for a green etiolated ap- 

 pearance, denoting a forced and weaker growth. From 

 the same cause, vines on back walls, except upon the 

 branches near the top-lights, rarely produce grapes which 

 possess either flavor or color. 



In our warm climate, where during summer the almost 

 tropical sun pours his intense noon-day rays, elevating the 

 temperature of the vinery to a high degree, even when 

 well ventilated in the ordinary mode, and filling the house 

 with rarified air, these outlets must be of great benefit to the 

 crop ; for while they allow the impure and partially stagnant 

 air to escape, they permit the ingress of a free current of fresh 

 air, which, coming directly upon vines, dissipates whatever 

 moisture may be collected upon the leaves and berries, 

 particularly in the morning, before ventilation is effected 

 by the sashes. The paved floor, though an excellent aux- 

 iliary, in so far as the house can be kept clean, does not 

 appear to possess any important value as a source of re- 

 taining heat, for the natural shade of the foliage would 

 prevent the sun from striking very intensely upon the tile. 

 Pruning, syringing, watering, and giving air, are operations 

 upon which so much judgment depends, that it is impos- 

 sible to say whether Mr. Crawshay's practice was superior 

 to that of other cultivators. It will be noted, however, that 

 air is given in wet as well as fair weather, and that 

 after the fruit begins to color, air is left in both night and 

 day. We trust that some of our amateur cultivators will 

 have a house fitted with sashes, glazed on Mr. Crawshay's 

 plan, that his mode of culture may be tried in our climate. 

 It will, of course, be understood that the mode of open 

 glazing is only intended for what are commonly termed 

 " cold houses," or houses without flues or other fixed heat- 

 ing apparatus. In conclusion, we proceed to offer a few 

 hints for the guidance of cultivators, who may be com- 

 mencing the growth of the grape. 



In commencing the cultivation of the grape under glass, 

 the first object is, provided the house is already erected, or 

 is to be completed before the first of June, to procure a 

 sufficient quantity of vines, of the sorts suitable for the 

 purpose. The best and only proper vines are, such as 

 have been grown in pots, from the eye, of the age of one or 

 two years; it is immaterial which age, if they are mode- 

 rately strong, that is. with wood the size of a pipe-stem. 



