THE CULTURE OF THE GEAPE. 123 



I do not syringe the vines after they are trained to the 

 trellis, and do not think it ever necessary, provided the 

 house is kept moist by watering. 



The vines will begin to bloOm early in June ; when the 

 berries are as large as peas, begin to thin them ; cut out 

 all the small ones first ; no rule can be laid down as to 

 the number to be taken out of each bunch, for the same 

 kinds set their fruit more or less thickly in difiFerent 

 years, and in different situations. Of Black Hamburgh, 

 I usually cut three out of five berries ; of Zinfindal, eight 

 out of ten ; of Chasselas, when they set well, five out of 

 ten : experience will soon teach one what is proper to be 

 done. If the shoots from the spurs have not been tied 

 to the rods, they should be as soon as the thinning is 

 over ; do this carefully, and let them be at equal distan- 

 ces ; a little attention to this will improve the appearance 

 of the vines very much. 



Examine the bunch as the grapes swell ; if they are 

 j^ressing together, cut out still more, always taking the 

 smallest berries. In thinning, avoid touching the grapes 

 with the hand ; the moisture of the flesh causes rust ; if 

 it is necessary to handle the bunch, gloves should be 

 worn. After they begin to change color, if it is necessary 

 to thin them more, the scissors must be used cautiously, 

 in order not to injure the bloom, and thereby destroy the 

 beauty of the bunch. 



Early in July, spread the sulphur, as directed the last 

 year. The grapes will begin to change color in August, 

 and tc ripen about the middle of September. 



" If the fruit-bearing branch be not very vigorous, it 

 ought, in July^ to be cut off close to the fruit. In th? 



