202 THE GRAPE. 
whick will be according as early or later grapes are e want 
: = To obtain ripe fruit by the middle of April, cou 
ce at once, and if in May, it will be required to begin 
by ed middle of December, and later in proportion. [See 
ge 84.) Such extreme artificial age should not be 
eed by the novice, however, as it requires con- 
siderable experience, and is aossiied with much care and 
expense. 
RETARDING HOUSE. 
In the retarding house, where there is a — ap- 
paratus, a gentle fire should be applied, if frost in the 
night be apprehended, but admit air freely, excluding 
any moisture. 
DECEMBER. 
OUT-DOOR CULTURE. 
Excepting in the most northern or north-western parts 
of the country, the pruning of the hardy kinds of out- 
door grapes may be proceeded with, It ought not, how- 
ever, to be done during severe frost. Where the land 
will still admit of being worked, the upper soil should be 
- ledsened with the fork, some four or five inches deep, 
over the whole surface; after which a mulching of de 
. _ eayed leaves, vegetable refuse, or barn-yard manure, will 
more than repay the cost. On a large scale this might 
seem tedious, but it does not alter the ease ; for if good 
attention and the best culture will pay on a small scale, 
they will be found equally remunerativ 
e in extensive 
_ eulture. Depend upon it, one of the main secrets of 
making grape-culture pay, in all the varied departments, 
is in enabling each vine to do its best. Never attempt 
Sac — and idles 
