116 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED 



Scalding is always worse when a bright spell of weather comes after 

 a prolonged dull one, especially if at the time when the berries are 

 stoning, i.e. when the stones are hardening, and before colour- 

 ing commences. In addition to the free ventilation and light 

 shading given, admit a little air all night and warm the pipes too ; 

 this is all you can do. When the top ventilators are left open an 

 inch or two all nightj the berries are rarely scalded. Scalding is 

 caused by the sun shining on the Grapes when they are moist. If 

 the ventilator is left open the moisture does not settle on the 

 Grapes. 



Foster's Seedling Grape Spotted 



Q. Can you tell me the reason of my white Grapes being spotted 

 in this way ? I enclose a bunch. E. W., Hendon. 



A . The spots on the berries of your Grapes are the result of the 

 atmosphere of the vinery being kept too cold and too damp. When 

 Grapes are quite ripe it is the inevitable result that decay follows 

 unless the air of the house is kept sufficiently warm and dry to 

 prevent it. 



Grapes Shrivelling before Ripe 



Q. I am much disappointed in my Grapes. The berries and 

 the stalks shrivel, rendering the fruit quite useless. H. E. *S'., 

 Oxon. 



A. The shrivelling of the berries is due to shanking, a failing 

 brought about by a number of causes, the chief being a sour and 

 badly drained border. At the same time the berries will shank if 

 the border is allowed to become dry, and it should be borne in mind 

 that Vines from the time of starting until the time of colouring need 

 copious supplies of water, with occasional applications of liquid 

 manure. Examine the border frequently, and never allow it to 

 become dry. The fumes from burning sulphur are, as you have 

 learnt, very injurious to growing Vines, but we attribute the shank- 

 ing either to sour soil or to overcropping the previous year. 



Top Dressing Vine Borders 



Q. What is the best material with which to top dress Vine 

 borders ? Can I use fowl manure 1 A . E. JF., Walsall. 



A. Cow manure is by far the .best, but as you are unable to 

 procure it the fowl manure may be used as a substitute. It should 

 first of all be mixed with about its own bulk of turfy soil, and then 



