CULTIVATION OF FRUIT 



453 



permanent Vine. Place one end of the graft into a bottle of water, 

 and attach the other end to the stock by the method previously de- 

 scribed, finally covering over with matting and clay. Sufficient nourish- 

 ment is contained in the rain water of the bottle to sustain the graft 

 until it has become united with the stock. Do not remove the bottle 

 and covering until the grafted shoot has grown several feet long. 



Vines are largely grown in pots by nurserymen to provide a supply 

 for early forcing, and for replacing old Vines and planting new vineries. 

 A small grower cannot 

 do better than buy 

 good, strong pot Vines 

 for planting out ; it is 

 far more satisfactory 

 than attempting to 

 raise them oneself. 

 Great heat is neces- 

 sary, both above and 

 below, to have them 

 of sufficient size and 

 vigour in one season. 



Insect Pests. 

 There are several 

 troublesome pests that 

 attack the Vine, and a 

 season seldom passes 

 without one or more 

 making their appear- 

 ance. Mildew, a white 

 fungus that attacks 

 the leaves and also 

 the young bunches, is 

 one of the most com- 

 mon, and, if not 

 checked, quickly dis- 

 figures a whole house 

 of Vines. The spores 



of this fungus cannot germinate in a warm, dry atmosphere ; moisture 

 is necessary for this. It is, therefore, evident that the latter condition 

 must be avoided, and the vinery kept warm and dry for a few days. 

 Flowers of sulphur dusted on the berries and all affected parts is an 

 excellent remedy. 



The red spider is a minute insect that often attacks the foliage, and, 

 if left alone, would soon destroy it. It always appears to attack the 

 lower surface of the leaves, which then have a yellow, unhealthy appear- 

 ance. A hot and dry air favours this pest ; it is often more prevalent 

 near the hot-water pipes. Endeavour, therefore, to maintain a moist 

 atmosphere until it is checked. Syringe the Vines well with clear water 

 daily, and occasionally with a solution of soft soap and warm water. 



FIG. 51. Bottle-grafting Vine shoot. 



