IIQ STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



The grape-vine has two important stages ; a period of growth 

 and a period of maturation, to each of which regard must be con- 

 stantly had in the treatment. In the first it is our aim to promote 

 and hasten tiie most vigorous development of vine and fruit by 

 abundant moisture, heat, and stimulating liquid manure. A reg- 

 ular heat, between 80° and 90°, if possible, must be maintained, 

 though 100° or more will do no harm if tempered by plenty of 

 moisture. All cold drafts must be excluded, only admitting air to 

 prevent too high a temperature. In the second stage it is our 

 object to expedite ripening by gradually diminishing moisture and 

 heat, and increasing the supply of air. 



About the 20th of April the buds will push, and the same sys- 

 tem of pruning is practiced as recommended for vines in open 

 culture. The canes as they extend are fastened with listing to a 

 ■wire trellis, twelve inches from the glass. In the season of growth, 

 water each vine with a pail full of soapsuds applied from a water- 

 ing pot every Tuesday, and on every Saturday a pail full of a 

 solution of Peruvian guano, one or two quarts, well mixed in a 

 barrel of water, and used immediately. Remove weeds, keep the 

 border loose and mulch outside in summer. The leaves are never 

 syringed, but are sufficiently watered by the evaporation of water 

 sprinkled on the border, and no bottom air is ever admitted by 

 opening the windows at front and end until the wood begins to 

 ripen, as such drafts may cause a check to growth and predispose 

 to mildew, but in August the ground is sprinkled less often, and 

 more air is admitted in clear hot days. September 1st, pinch off 

 the ends of the canes, discontinue watering, except with soapsuds, 

 which may also cease by the middle of the month ; gradually 

 admit bottom air and keep a current of it constantly circulating 

 to ripen and harden the wood. When the bark becomes brown, 

 and the wood solid, open all the windows daily, only closing them 

 to exclude rain or frost. It is well to preserve the leaves until 

 they become yellow and ripe and fall off, then we may be assured 

 that nature's work is well done, and that the vines may safely lie 

 dormant until another spring wakes them to renewed life. 



In November cover the border inside and outside with manure, 

 to protect the roots, cut off the canes, which are ten or twelve 

 feet long, so as to leave five feet of solid wood, wash them with 

 soapsuds, lay them down on the border, cover them with leaves 

 or other warm material and boards, and also spread leaves abun- 

 dantly over the inside border. Fasten wooden shutters to the 



