186 THE GRAPE. 
water entirely withheld inside of the house as the color 
ing progresses. At this time, a grape-vine will be main- 
tained in a healthy state, if kept very dry. We are, 
however, sometimes compelled to apply water, to pre- 
vent the encroachment of insects; but when this becomes 
a necessity, the water should never come in contact wi:} 
the fruit, as it would cause some kinds to burst their 
skins, and all would be injured in appearance by the 
“bloom” being washed from the surface of the berries. 
For the latter reason, the bunches should not be touched 
with the fingers, or rubbed in any way, while hanging 
on the vines. As the side-shoots continue to push fresh 
growth, the tops will need to be shortened-in to one leaf’ 
above the former pinching; but in young canes of the 
present season, the top may be allowed to extend, and 
the laterals shortened to one leaf as they continue te 
increase. The later successions of grapes wili require 
the same treatment which was recorded for this, in the 
last two months, and need not be repeated here. 
RETARDING HOUSE. 
With the retarded crop the temperature may be main- 
as low as possible for some time yet, and avery 
small 1 pases water used, 
