1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 41 



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\f) There were various other sorts in the house which ripened well, Cy 

 d and all cut before the end of September. The vines were then care- }J 

 fully gone over, and the leading shoot deprived of all growth made 

 since July 1st. All the others were shortened back to where they 

 were cut on the 10th May. The border received no more water, and 

 the wood ripened well; buds for next year's crop swelled up, full and 

 prominent, and equally so all over the plants. Herein lies the great 

 desideratum in pruning. Much might be said on this subject. It is 

 not my intention at present to enter physiologically upon the ques- 

 tion. Common sense, however, points to the fact, that the proper 

 time to prune plants, is while they are growing. 



What advantage is gained by allowing a grape vine to make a 

 large quantity of shoots in summer, and pruning the whole down to 

 a walking stick in winter] There is certainly some care and experi- 

 ence required in regulating the summer's growth, so as to concentrate 

 as much strength as possible into the buds for next year's crop, with- 

 out causing them to'^break into leaf. I have endeavored in the fore- 

 going remarks to show the practical method of securing this desidera- 

 tum by a series of partial checks during the growth of the plant. 



With regard to the appearance of the grapes when fully ripe, the 

 coloring was most perfect. White Frontignans, Royal Muscadine, 

 and Muscats had that beautiful amber hue so characteristic of per- 

 fect development and superior flavor. The Hamburghs, Tripoli, &c. 

 were of a glossy black. There is no danger of growing black grapes 

 red, under our bright sun, if properly ventilated. I never moved a 

 sash after closing the front lights on the 5th of June, until the end 

 of August when the front sashes were again thrown open. 



We are greatly indebted to Mr. Sanders for this extract from his 

 journal. All scientific gardeners we hope keep such a diary of 

 their operations'; if so, v/e shall be quite at ease with regard to prac- 

 tical matter to lay before the readers of this journal, if any scien- 

 tific gardener omits to chronicIe;his difficulties and successes, he should 

 at once correct his oversight, and after having procured a convenient 

 pocket diary, set himself down after dinner or supper, before he 

 smokes, to note the occurrences of the day. We shall reserve a 

 column for future extracts from Mr. Sanders' intelligent and useful 

 diary. A great many terms are used by gardeners in describing their 

 routine of culture, which we shall take care to explain : such as 

 stopping of shoots, breaking of buds, mulching of plants and pots, 

 starting of buds. Mr. S. attends to this very properly himself. We 

 direct particular attention to his obseivations on mildew; they are 7 

 . practical and judicious. 9^ 



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