398 THE FORCING GARDEN. jUNE. 



THE GRAPE-HOUSE. 



As the fruit begin to colour and swell off for ri- 

 pening, the quantity of water, hitherto liberally giv- 

 en, must be lessened by degrees ; and towards its 

 coming to full maturity, must be entirely withheld, 

 that it be not rendered insipid. The operations of 

 the engine, on the foliage, must also cease ; but 

 previously, be particularly severe, and be careful to 

 scourge it well, that no vestige of the red spider be 

 left. This is a matter of very great importance, and 

 but too little attended to : and for want of taking 

 this care, I have more than once seen a whole crop 

 of grapes very much spoiled, and the berries render- 

 ed dirty, nauseous, and bitter. If this enemy be not 

 subdued, but be allowed to establish himself among 

 the berries, (a situation he is very fond of, being 

 snug, and as it were entrenched, especially in close- 

 growing bunches,) it is next to impossible to rout 

 him. 



Previously to the colouring of the fruit also, if 

 there be any of the thrips about the berries or fo- 



