272 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



the fruit is not inclined to ripen ; neither does it receive 

 its suitable share of nourishment in this damp shade. 

 But the mischief has been done, and it is folly to expect 

 that a removal of the leaves in so sudden and violent 

 a manner will remedy the evil. It is better, even thus 

 late, to check the wood-growth, rather than have that 

 strength of the vine which should go towards maturing 

 the fruit diverted in this direction, though this is work 

 which should have been done months before. The re- 

 moval of developed leaves will prove rather an injury 

 than a benefit, as the plant has become accustomed to 

 and dependent upon these lungs for the elaboration of 

 the sap. The fruit of the grape also is unlike many other 

 fruits : it is dependent upon the foliage for its maturity. 

 We can never cut the grape in an unripe state, and ripen 

 it in the house, as we do apples, pears, and other fruit. 

 Even if the bunch remains on the vine, and the leaves 

 are stripped, the chemical action of maturing is arrest- 

 ed, and the bunch changes color without ripening. In 

 cases of excessive growth and foliage in August, there 

 may be a partial remedy in an entire stoppage of all 

 growth, and in a moderate removal of the superfluous 

 foliage ; but it is an unnatural and imperfect remedy, and 

 the indolent cultivator must expect to pay the penalty for 

 his neglect. 



