CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. "07 



of forcing, or early ripening, is simple, and the crop 

 certain. 



POT-CULTURE. 



In our clear and hot climate, and in view of the extra 

 amount and the higher cost of labor with us, pot-culture 

 does not seem to be so desirable as in England. Yet the 

 work can be done with perfect success; and, for some 

 purposes, the method is most desirable. For very early 

 forcing, vines in pots can be managed with the greatest 

 ease. So also, for retarding, they may be kept in a cold 

 cellar or ice-room until July, and then be brought forward 

 as desired. For summer-fruiting, there is no advantage 

 in the use of pots ; and as the labor of watering, and 

 keeping in perfect condition, is so greatly increased, it is 

 far better to plant in the border. For forcing, the follow- 

 ing course may be pursued : About the 1st of April, 

 select a healthy, one-year old vine, or a vigorous young 

 plant started from an eye in February previous, and shift 

 into a seven-inch pot. The soil should consist of about 

 two parts of well-rotted pasture-sod, and one part of 

 thoroughly decomposed horse-manure. Fine bone-chips 

 may be mixed with the compost, and a handful of 



