218 VINES 
pistillaté blossoms, but a few, more particular 
varieties call for special treatment. The use of 
a soft, camel’s-hair brush is often resorted to, 
but the best practice is to go into the grapery at 
midday when the air is very dry and gently run 
the hands (which should be free from all perspira- 
tion or other moisture) over the flowers. Polli- 
nation is an operation that should not be neglected, 
for the period when it can be done is short; one 
week after the flowers open they have closed, 
and if not properly fertilized, will never mature. 
Throughout the fruit-setting period try to keep 
the upper ventilator open a trifle, balancing the 
cool air with additional fire heat. At all events, 
make it a point to secure a good set. The border 
should always be given a thorough watering 
just before the flowers open; this will carry the 
vines over until after the fruit has set. 
When the fruit has set, the temperature can 
again be advanced gradually, until 65° is reached. 
Some prefer 70°, but keep close to these figures, 
never letting the night temperature fall below 
65° nor rise above 70°. Continue gradually 
pulling down the side shoots. From every leaf 
axil there will start a young growth or lateral. 
This should be constantly pinched to one leaf, 
never allowing it to attain any size. It will be 
