CONTENTS. xrn 



Summer checking 166 



Nature's Method of checking growth 166 



Severe checking at Thomery 170 



Undue vigor at the top of upright shoots 171 



Uniform development of the horizontal branch 172 



Short-spur Pruning 173 



Annual Renewal 174 



The Alternate or Long Spur 176 



Objection to the Alternate Spur - 177 



Its occasional use .178 



CHAPTER X. 



METHODS OF HASTENING MATURITY. 



Nearness to the ground an advantage 179 



The Ringing Process 180 



Its Discovery 180 



Its introduction into England 181 



Effect upon the Fruit and Vine 182 



Time and mode of performing it 183 



Best suited for the Long Spur 185 



Partial protection by Glass 186 



Sashes for the Vineyard 187 



Colored Walls 190 



Close board-fences 193 



CHAPTER XL 



MANURES. 



Analysis of the Ashes of the Vine 196 



Wood and Coal Ashes 198 



Value of Bones 199 



Quantity per Acre 200 



Action of Lime 201 



Sulphur 202 



Gypsum, or Plaster of Paris 203 



Coal-ashes contain Sulphate of Lime 204 



Specific food for each stage of growth 205 



Various kinds of fertilizing matter 207 



Fertilizing effect of Rain 208 



Analysis of Rain-water 209 



Rain-fall of various Grape-districts 210 



Effect of excessive Rain .*212 



Time of applying top-dressings 214 



Mulching . . 215 



