509 
Reference to the figs. some of which are taken from A. Bon- 
net’s “Selection as applied to the Vine” illustrate the different pos- 
sible occurrences. 
Figs. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate, on a magnified scale, the structure 
of a normal grape vine flower and show the bud, then the peculiar 
Fie. 4.—A grape vine floral bud. 
Fie. 5.—Same showing the petals of the corolla detached from the base and united 
above, pressing the anthers against the pistil. 
Fia. arse ce the corolla removed, and showing the anthers ready for excision.— 
OEX. 
way the petals unfold from the base of the calyx. This dislodg- 
ment of the cap causes a jerk which scatters the pollen in the anther 
sacs on the stamens (Fig. 6). This pollen comes into contact with 
the stigma of the pistil which carries it to the ovary. 
Free setting varieties have the stamens erect, forming a cluster 
round the inflated tip or stigma, a position which is found advan- 
tageous to the proper fertilisation of the ovary. These vines, which 
constitute the majority, are perfect hermaphrodites. 
Climatic conditions, it must be evident to all who have any 
experience of Western Australian climate, are here in every way 
favourable to the free setting of the grape vine blossoms. Even 
the museat of Alexandria, that queen of all grapes, which is dis- 
carded in the Eastern States on account of its defective setting, 
fruits here to perfection. In the coastal districts, especially from 
the Murray Estuary as a Southern limit to the Murchison at the 
North, a badly set bunch is more the exception than the rule. The 
climatie conditions which are unfavourable to the free setting of 
grapes are in the main sudden and excessive changes in the tem- 
perature; persistent rain or drying land winds at the period the 
blossoms are opening. 
When vines fail to set properly on that account, either pinching 
back of the fruitful shoots or cincturing under the joint from which 
issues the bunch will, if practised a few days before blossoming, 
cause it to set better. (See figures 7 and 74.) 
Zante currants especially are made more fruitful by means of 
cincturing, as already mentioned on page 262. This is best done at 
blossoming time (end of October or early in November on the 
Swan). Double-bladed knives or scraping knives like those used 
