-[12 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



end of the cane to stop the growth and cause the sap to circulate 

 more frecl}^ in the lower part of the vine. 



Early in December cut back the canes so as to leave thorn about 

 two feet long'cr than last year, and all the spurs so as to leave 

 three buds to guard against loss. Wash them with a preparation 

 consisting of four pounds of sulphur, two quarts of soapsuds 

 mixed to tlie consistence of cream, and a little tobacco, applying it 

 with a brush, and cover the vines and border as last year. 



The third year the bouse and vines need the same management 

 as detailed heretofore. 



The tendency of the vine is to make its most vigorous growth 

 at the top and rob the spurs at bottom and sides. Tin's is to be 

 repressed, by encouraging the buds to push uniformly in spring, 

 by keeping them in a horizontal position, or by fastening them to 

 the wires by the middle and letting the top hang downward, by 

 early pinching ofiF the more rapidly growing spurs and bearing 

 them more heavily on the top branches. The spurs should aver- 

 age si.K or eight inches apart. If nearer, they are too crowded, 

 and the surplus must be broken out. Until the fruit buds have 

 blossomed it is not well to prune more than is necessary to pre- 

 vent crowding and promote uniform development, because the 

 vine then needs all its energies to well set its fruit. In the cold 

 grapery at the critical season of blossoming, cool or rainy weather 

 may occur, and with all our care in withholding water and exclud- 

 ing cold drafts, may prevent the more tender Muscats from setting 

 berries thickly, hence these bunches are loose and need but little 

 thinning. This year, the vines having become established and 

 more mature, may bear from five to seven clusters in the strongest 

 spurs, according to size of bunch. Remove promptly all the 

 others. But if the fruit becomes soft and feels cold cut it off" at 

 once. It shows the vine is overcropped, and if allowed to remain 

 will impair vitalit^'^ and cause future unfruitful ness. It sometimes 

 happens from forgetfulness and detention, that the house has not 

 been seasonably opened and the temperature becomes very high, 

 threatening scorching. It may be partially obviated by immedi- 

 ately sprinkling the ground and gradually admitting air. When 

 certain sorts swell fast, previous to ripening, they crack badly. 

 This may be partially counteracted by suspending sprinkling, by 

 increased ventilation, and by allowing the terminal laterals to 

 grow and appropriate sap. The vinery is intolerant of neglect. 

 It needs constant vigilance to furnish the proper temperature. 



