186 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



general cultivation. What we gain in one direction we 

 lose more than proportionately in another. We must 

 therefore regard this crfrious, interesting, and valuable 

 method as applicable only to a limited degree, and for the 

 specific purpose of obtaining a few early, bunches of 

 extra size. 



In the more difficult climate of England, a practice has 

 obtained to some extent of enclosing clusters of fruit 

 under bell-glasses, or an entire fruit-branch under a small 

 glass frame secured against a wall. Fruit may be ob- 

 tained from two to four weeks earlier in this way. But 

 there is too much trouble and expense attending this, and 

 the results are too limited, to warrant the use of such 

 glasses to any extent. Cheap glass houses are a better 

 substitute ; and there can be no doubt that these are very 

 desirable, and can be used with profit in skilful hands. 

 This is an interesting and prolific subject, and is destined 

 to become increasingly interesting to the public. The 

 limits of this treatise forbid any extended suggestions in 

 regard to the construction and management of fruiting- 

 frames, or glass sheds or houses. In a subsequent chap- 

 ter upon the treatment of vines under glass, some further 

 hints are given upon this subject; but its full develop- 

 ment Would require an entire volume. A single method 



