Tendril of the Grape Vine. 89 



2 ft. across, and 8i in. in height (I do not let the flower stems have more 

 than one to two trusses of blooms on each), in a 24-sized pot. Feb. 28. 1839. 



The dark-flowered variety had 7 flower stems, with 43 flowers in bloom, 

 and 64? buds, making a total of 107 buds ; average size of the blooms \\ in. in 

 diameter. Plant 7i in. in height ; 1 fi leaves upon the plant, 5f in. each way. 

 Rose eye. Leaves drooping, and very much cut ; centre stem 13 flowers in 

 bloom, and 13 buds, total 26 buds. Plant 15 in. across, in a 32-sized pot. 

 Feb. 23. 1S39. 



Frithsden Gardens, Ashridge, Great Berkhamstead, Jan. 10. 1840. 



Art. VIII. On retaining the Tendril of the Grape Vine. By R. T. 



In the remarks which have come within my reach, on the culture of 

 grapes, I have never seen any thing respecting the propriety of retaining or 

 taking oiFthe tendril or clasper, which grows on the bunch, and which, if 

 left on, usually perishes. I mean if under glass ; as, if it is on the open walls, 

 it will be frequently found to twist round the nails or shoots of the vine, 

 and thus support the bunch ; but, owing to the bunches hanging down, it 

 seldom happens that there is anything within the reach of the tendril to which 

 it can cling, and consequently it dies. Whether there are any cultivators 

 who endeavour to preserve it, considering it essential, I do not know ; but, as 

 we are taught to believe that the Great Creator has made nothing in vain, I 

 am inclined to think that even this is worthy of notice. I beheve it will be 

 .found that most people take the tendril oflf; as some say it draws the nourish- 

 ment from the bunch ; but I am inclined to think otherwise : and 1 wish to 

 call the attention of your readers to it at this time, as the forcing season is 

 coming on ; and, if hitherto they have taken no notice of it, they will (some of 

 them, at least) I hope, turn their attention to it, and report|accordingly. 



I have taken up the subject in consequence of hearing a person say, when 

 walking through the vinery, and seeing the tendrils taken off^ without any 

 apparent injury, that he had been told that if they were taken off" the bunches 

 would go bhnd. This we are sure would not be the result ; but I would ask, 

 of what use is the tendril, when at so early a stage it is so common to see it 

 wither away under glass, and at the same time, if out of doors, and able to lay 

 hold of any thing, it will remain with the bunch through every stage, growing 

 with its growth, and, at last, ripening with it ? Not wishing the above re- 

 mark to be useless, I paid some httle attention to it through the summer, by 

 placing some of the bunches so that the tendrils should come in contact with 

 the wires or shoots, and in some cases twisted them once or twice round; and, 

 from what I observed, I am confirmed in the opinion, that they should never 

 be taken off": but, as I do not wish any one to believe it without further 

 proof, I hope some one will be induced, as wgll as myself, this spring, to give 

 it a fair trial, as it will cause but little trouble and may be useful. 



Middlesex, Dec. 27. 1839. 



Art. IX. On the Cultivation of the Alpine Strawberry in Pots. 

 By James Seymour, Gardener to the Countess of Bridgewater, at 

 Ashridge. 



I sow the seeds in boxes, about the middle of February, in a light 

 sandy soil, and place the box upon a flat hot-water pipe, in a vinery, where it 

 is not too hot ; taking care to sow the seed very thin, and to cover it very 

 slightly. The seed should be saved the year previous to sowing. 1 always save 

 my own seed, from some of the largest and earliest fruit, as there is much dif- 

 ference in the shape and size of this kind of strawberry. The soil I use is a 



