98 PIGTOElAL PUAOTtOAL FRUIT GROWING. 



who are growing their Grapes in a greenliouse will find it best to let them 

 start naturally in April. If the Vines do not show signs o£ breaking then, 

 gentle heat may be applied i£ it is at command. In vineries with a proper 

 heating system it is possible to have Grapes ripe in March, but it would be 

 necessary to start early in the previous November in order to ensure this. 

 Vines thus forced early are soon worn out. The market men generally 

 content themselves with fruiting them once, throwing them away after- 

 wards, and filling their place vsfith young canes, of which care is taken to 

 provide a constant supply. Approximately, it is safe to allow Black Ham- 

 burgh five months from start to finish, and Muscat of Alexandria six. With 

 the desire of putting information as respects temperature before my readers 

 in the most compact form, I have prepared what I believe to be an original 

 table, showing the proper temperatares at various stages of growth. 



These temperatures are suitable for Black Hamburgh, Foster's Seedling, 

 Buokland Sweetwater, Alicante, Madresfield Court, and Gros Maroo. Muscat 

 of Alexandria should have 5° more at each stage. 



Syringing. — There has been much discussion on the question of 

 syringing Vines at starting time. The fact that many highly successful 

 growers practise it is sufficient proof that there is nothing very bad about 

 it ; on the other hand, it is certainly not indispensable. Most growers will 

 follow the course which they have found to answer, in spite of arguments. 

 Whether or not syringing be pr^-ctised when the Vines are breaking, it 

 may be pursued afterwards at the various stages of growth, although most 

 cultivators lay the syringe aside while the plants are in flower. A free use 

 of the syringe ensures a moist, agreeable atmosphere, thus keeping red spider 

 in check, and incidentahy putting a curb on mealy bug. In all cases it is 

 best to use clean rain water for syringing, as there is less risk of spotting. 



Tying the Shoots. — I must not forget to say a word on this subject. 

 It is often a difficult one, because of early mistakes. For instance, tlieie 

 are cases in which two or more shoots spring nearly simultaneously from 

 the spur. Now, we have seen that although a system of culture is some- 

 times practised which allows two shoots to develop from each spur, the 

 general practice is to permit only one. Assuming that we are going to have 

 one only, it would be a mistalie to allow two or more to develop. As a 

 matter of fact, it is best to remove the superfluous ones when they are 

 J inch long or thereabouts. This is termed disbudding. When the clioseu 

 one has reached the glass it will have to be tied down into position on the 



