THE GRAPE VINE. 83 



an almost total cessation of top-growth. This pause 

 is consequent on the growth having been so far sup- 

 ported by the stored-up sap in the stem and roots of 

 the vine, which when exhausted brings the growth 

 to a standstill, till the roots get into action and 

 send up a fresh supply of sap. During this cessa- 

 tion, if the weather be bright and a good deal of air 

 has to be admitted, they may droop a little in the 

 middle of the day, in which case it is advisable 

 to shade them slightly for a few hours, keeping 

 the air moist, and to syringe the young growths at 

 shutting-up time till the roots begin to grow. The 

 first indications of this are easily noticed in the pro- 

 duction of stronger tendrils than formerly, and in the 

 fresh expansion of tender-looking leaves. These are 

 sure signs that the last year's fibres have sent out 

 young rootlets ; and if one of the vines were lifted 

 at this stage, the young whitey-green roots would be 

 found starting at innumerable points. When they 

 begin to grow freely, range the night temperature 

 from 65° to 70°. with a rise of from 10° to 15° by 

 day with sun-heat. Keep the steaming apparatus 

 full of water, and the surface of the border sprinkled 

 in the morning, and again at shutting-up time when 

 the weather is bright. A corresponding decrease of 

 moisture must take place in the absence of sun, and 

 only syringe the foliage occasionally on the afternoons 

 of bright days after the vinery is shut up. Very soon 

 after they make the fresh start alluded to, they will 

 grow with gradually increasing rapidity and vigour. 

 They should be carefully looked to every second day, 

 and have the fresh growths fastened loosely to the 

 wires with soft matting, the tendrils pinched off, and 

 the lateral growths regulated — not pinched back to a 



