96 



THE VINE-DEESSER'S MANUAL. 



Upon this "press-floor" is placed the frame, Fig. 29, 

 made of two-inch oak boards — 3 feet square and 18 to 24 

 inches high, fastened together by mortise and tenon, 

 yet so as to be easily taken apart and perforated by 

 holes one-eighth of an inch diameter, about an inch 

 apart, also having notches cut on the lower edge, for 

 the passage of the juice. 



Tie. 29. 



Into this frame are poured the mashed grapes. After 

 levelling them off, a covering of inch boards is placed 

 •upon them ; this cover is closely fitted to the frame, and 

 can be easily put in and taken out, and upon this a 

 cross piece of oak 6 by 6 inches for the screw to press 

 upon. The screw may be of wood or iron, and is turn- 

 ed by levers inserted m the head. 



The sap which first flows from the press makes the 

 best wine, and that which is last expressed is somewhat 



