148 THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



long spur or cane trimming ; the latter is consequently 

 to be pursued to the greatest extent, which the future 

 welfare of the vines will admit of. The thinning of the 

 berries will be performed later than in any other house, 

 and care should be had that it is thoroughly done, and 

 more severely than- in any other way of growing them. 



Early in March, the sun must be excluded from the 

 house ; this can be done by spreading sails, or mats, over 

 the glass ; the doors and lights must be open day and 

 night, when the temperature is above freezing. 



In May, when the vines push their buds, the covering 

 must be removed from the glass ; keep the temperature 

 as low as possible, night and day, during the summer ; 

 the end of May, or early in June, the vines should be 

 put to the rods, or trellis. 



Early in July, the grapes will be in blossom ; apply 

 the sulphur now to the floor of the house, and observe 

 the vines carefully during this and the next month ; if 

 the mildew aJDpear on the wood, fruit, or foliage, shut the 

 house at night, and apply more sulphur. Never allow it 

 to remain on the fruit ; if, by accident, any should get 

 on, brush it off immediately, — opening the house by day, 

 as in any grapery. Early in August, the grapes will re- 

 quire to be thinned. 



In October, when the nights become cool, close the 

 doors and windows, {vjTiere it has not heen done before 

 on account of mildew,) giving as much air, and keeping 

 as low a temperature, {when ihe sun shines,) by day, as 

 possible. 



In November, small fires must be made and kept up 

 in the night-time, and in cloudy weather. 



