CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 303 



THE FIRST YEAR. 



The planting and training is as directed for the open-air 

 culture. The distance of planting is from three to four feet 

 apart, the latter being best for strong kinds. Owing to the 

 richness of the border and the more favorable atmosphere 

 under control in the house, the growth will be far supe- 

 rior. A single cane should be allowed to grow from 

 twenty to thirty feet in length f after which it should 

 be stopped, and side- shoots may be allowed a moderate 

 and uniform development. In the growing part of the 

 season, the air should be kept moist and warm ; giving air 

 in the morning as soon as the thermometer rises to eighty 

 degrees, and closing up early, and showering, so as to 

 create a warm humidity, which will be retained through 

 the night. Frequent but moderate sprinklings of the 

 floor, and showering of the foliage, when the sun is not 

 too strong, will cause luxuriant growth. If any danger 

 of mildew is apprehended, sulphur should be dusted 

 through the foliage during the heat of a dry day. Keep 

 the temperature as nearly up to ninety degrees as is 

 convenient. By the 1st of September, water should be 

 withheld, and the growth allowed to harden and ripen. 



