116 THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



freely, continuing to do so during the season, when the 

 mercury is above freezing ; it is best to shut up the 

 house at night, leaving one or two lights a little open, 

 to let the moisture escape. It will not be necessary 

 to syringe the vines, provided they have ample moisture 

 at the roots. If the weather is dry, and the vines are 

 not growing well, give them two gallons of water each 

 at night, and repeat this two or three times a week while 

 the drought continues. If your border is poor, liquid 

 manure should be given occasionally. 



After the leaves have fallen, which will be in October, 

 or early in November, cut back the two spurs to one eye, 

 or bud, each, and the long cane to two eyes. If any in- 

 sect has been troublesome, to destroy them, or their eggs, 

 wash the vines carefully with soap suds, moderately 

 strong. The first of December, protect the vines for the 

 winter, by a covering of straw, or Eussia mats ; the 

 border must also be covered with seaweed, or coarse lit- 

 ter, to protect the roots from frost. This completes the 



management for the first 



"to 



year. 



Second Year. 



The second year, as the spring advances, and the pow- 

 er of the sun increases, open the windows and doors of 

 the house to let the heat, escape, and to prevent the 

 vines bursting their buds, shutting up again before night ; 

 do not hasten the pushing of the vines, but rather keep 

 the house cool until the tenth of April, when it will be 

 best to uncover them ; promote a free circulation of air 

 in bright weather ; give some ventilation en cloudy days ; 



