344 



CASSELL'S POPULAR GARDENING. 



with a constant circulation during the time the vines 

 are in flo'vster ; hut close early at ail other times, 

 with an abundance of sun heat and moisture. If 

 any of the vines miss fruiting, remove them at once 

 to practise semi-extension by laying in the sub- 

 laterals from those carrying fuE crops of fruit. 

 Increase the air ind reduce moisture when the grapes 

 begin to colour, but never allow the vines to feel the 

 want of water at the roots. 



Pot Vines for Table Decoration. — These 

 pretty objects are prepared by passing a well- 

 ripened rod through the bottom of a small pot while 



rT\ 



Fig. 28.— Trainers for Pot-Viues. 



it is attached to the parent vine, and allowing it to 

 root into rich compost with which the pot is filled 

 when the vines are pruned. The rod selected should 

 be furnished with eyes that are likely to break 

 weE and show plenty of fruit, and it may extend 

 from one to two feet above the top of the pot, 

 where it must be secured to an upright stick or 

 tripod (Fig. 28), firmly fastened to the rim. As the 

 buds break, all below the pot are rubbed off or closely 

 pinched, while those above are stopped at the second 

 joint beyond the bimch and tied out to a light wire 

 trellis or hoop fixed at the top of the centre stick. If 

 properly tended with water the pot will be well 

 filled with roots by the time the grapes are ripe, 

 when the canes may be cut through by degrees close 

 to the bottom of the pot, and the established fruit- 

 bearing plant will be ready for use. 



Fig. 29, on the next page, is a, sketch from a 

 pot vine grown by Mr. Sage, late gardener at Ash- 

 ridge. This was prepared by taking a long rod 



through the bottom of a pot, leading it up tie centre 

 Slick, thence round a circular or parasol-shaped wire 

 trellis, before the buds broke. The young growths 

 and leaves were then trained regularly, but not 

 crowded ; the bunches were good, and the effect was 

 artistic and excellent. 



When preparing plants in this way it is important 

 that the yearling-rod be coiled in its proper place 

 before the buds break, when every leaf will expand 

 with its face to the light, and the shoots can be 

 pinched or extended so as to fill every part of the 

 trellis with its foliage, an evenly-balanced head 

 being all-important. When coiling is defen-ed until 

 the fruit is ripe the vines do not look happy, as the 

 foliage never takes a natural position, and the 

 bunches get rubbed and disfigured under the opera- 

 tion. A little selaginella planted on the top of the 

 pot and grown on with the vine gives it a nice finish 

 when the fruit is ripe. 



VARIETIES OF GRAPES IS G ENERAL CVLTIVATIOS. 



1. Alicante. — This is a very handsome, easily- 

 cultivated, vinous grape, and has been largely cul- 

 tivated for market and exhibition, but in many 

 places it is now superseded by Gros Colmar, which 

 commands a better price. It is only second-rate in 

 quality, and is best suited for late use, coming in as 

 a useful link between the latest Hamburghs and 

 Lady Downes. It succeeds under Hamburgh treat- 

 ment ; always sets and colours well ; and is improved 

 by hanging after the leaves fall from the vines. 

 Mr. Meredith, late of Garston Vineyard, brought it 

 into note, and by his excellent and extensive cultiva- 

 tion it soon became known as Meredith's Alicante. 



2. Almviek Seedling. — A very handsome, 

 oval, black grape, of free habit and good constitution, 

 but only second-rate in quality. It is one of the 

 best late-keeping grapes of recent introduction, re- 

 quires a high temperature when in fiower, and 

 careful fertilisation with the pollen of some other 

 variety to ensure its setting freely. It always 

 colours well, and is in good condition from Christ- 

 mas onwards. It was raised at Alnwick Castle ; but 

 to Mr. Bell, of Clive House, is due the credit of 

 bringing it out in its true character. 



3. Black Hamburgh. — This grape is too well 

 known to require description. It is rmsurpassed as 

 an early grape, and is the best of all for a general 

 crop, being of extremely easy cultivation, and first- 

 rate in quality ; but unfortunately the majority of 

 growers cut it before it is in its best condition. 

 This gardeners' friend was introduced from North 

 Germany about the beginning of the last century, 

 and is known in this country under many synonyms. 

 The fine old vines at Cumberland Lodge, Hampton 

 Court, Finchley, Shardloes (Bucks) ,-Eastnor Castle,- 



