170 FEUIT. 



for attaining its full size.' If it is possible to complete the 

 operation at once, it should be done; but to secure equal 

 berries it is often necessary to leave more than is required in 

 view of a second thinning. This should be effected as soon as 

 it is clearly seen which berries are likely to attain a full size. 

 Large berries on strong foot- stalks are not readily over-thinned. 

 Long lopping shoulders should be cut in, and may be slung if 

 necessary to keep them square ; but tying up generally should 

 be avoided, as loose bvinches are of lei^s value in competition 

 than those of a firm and compact build. When the berries 

 are swelling freely, a temperature of 65° to 70° at night, with 

 7-5° to 80° during the day, should be maintained, while 90° 

 may be reached with strong sunshine and plenty of ventila- 

 tion. At this stage, and previous to colouring, surface dress- 

 ings of different kinds of approved manures should be given. 

 Besides manures specially prepared for vines, fish manure, 

 bone-meal, and Peruvian guano all contain elements of great 

 value in the successful cultivation of the vine. These should 

 be applied thinly but often to the surface of the border, and 

 watered in. By the time the berries are the size of peas, it 

 will be necessary to maintain a night temperature of 70°, and 

 during the dav SO' to 90° in sunshine. Muscats and some 

 other varieties are liable to have their leaves scorched about 

 this time, especially aft-er dull days. Free ventilation night 

 and dav, and a lower temperature and drier atmosphere for 

 a few davs, will prevent scorching of either leaves or fruit. 



The airing of vineries is. as a mle, not sufficiently studied, 

 and the temperature is too often allowed to rise to a certain 

 decree with the snn shining before the ventilators are moved 

 at all. This is a bad practice, considering the state of the 

 atmosphere in houses of modem construction, and is a prolific 

 source of scorching. When vines are in full growth, top 

 ventilation .should be given as soon as the thermometer indi- 

 cates a rise from the heat of the sun, but not in excess to 

 cause the mercury to fall. The temperature may then rise 

 5° before admitting front air or giving more at the top. In 

 order to keep the atmosphere sweet and moist, water should 

 be sprinkled on the border and path several times daily. 



