306 CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



the size increasing as the number of bunches diminishes. 

 Should such varieties as the Frontignan shrivel the ber- 

 ries at the tips of the bunches, it indicates an inequality 

 between the temperature at the roots and in the house ; 

 the border being too cold or wet. Over-cropping, or too 

 rapid forcing, will also cause this. 



The vines are pruned in November for the cold 

 grapery, or in August or September for early forcing. I 

 give ii decided preference for the short-spur system ; find- 

 ing by experience, that, by this approach to horizontal 

 training of the branches, there is no practical difficulty in 

 producing good fruiting-eyes near the cane for a succes- 

 sion of years. Should the spurs become long, the cane 

 may be renewed after six or ten years. In forcing, en- 

 deavor to secure the same conditions as in summer 

 growth. Start the vines gradually, taking four to six 

 weeks to break the buds, keeping them humid, and in a 

 horizontal position, until the eyes are all pushing: then 

 raise the canes, and increase the heat to fifty-five, sixty, 

 and seventy degrees at night ; at which last temperature 

 the fruit will mature. During the day,. the heat may in- 

 crease to ninety or even a hundred degrees, with a proper 

 degree of humidity to guard against the red spider. 

 By observing the laws of natural growth, the work 



