1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 117 



(^ that produced it ; also thin out the young shoots to six or eight of the A j 

 rp strongest ; hoe deeply and keep clear of weeds ; bones are a suitable ^ 

 manure for these. They use much phosphate of lime. \ 



Grapes. — Thinning the fruit is an important point too often ne- 

 glected. The grape is a very free bearer, but if the health and pros- 

 perity of the plant for the future, and large, superior, well matured 

 fruit for the present is an object, cut out some of the bunches where 

 too numerous. It is not easy to give a definite rule, so much depends 

 upon the age and vigor of the plant. In a general way, one bunch is 

 sufficient for a shoot, or on strong shoots, two may be allowed. With 

 regard to pruning, pinch the tops out of the shoots five or six leaves 

 beyond the bunch ; clear out all laterals and young wood, carefully 

 preserving every well developed leaf. Those shoots that are without 

 fruit may be cut in somewhat closer, unless they are wanted to fill 

 up'; in this case they should be tied in and encouraged to extend, by 

 divesting them of all side branches. Towards the end of the month 

 pinch out the extreme point, which will strengthen the lower buds. 



Grapes under Glass. — These, if the bunches have been properly 

 thinned, will now be swelling up and advancing toward maturity. — 

 See that they have sufficient water at roots. The atmosphere must 

 also be kept in a suitable hygrometric condition. Let the principal 

 applications of water take place in the morning; we have found this 

 to be the best period in the tw^enty-four hours for watering plants, al- 

 though it gave our old notions a severe shock. " There are more things 

 in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. " 

 Keep all useless spray cleaned out, and give every encouragement to 

 old leaves. These strengthen the plant ; young ones abstract more 

 than they return. 



"Nor spare the soft and succulent, 

 That feeds its giant although barren growth, 

 At the expense of neighboring twigs less ostentatious, 

 Yet studded thick with hopeful gems." 



After the fruit begins to color, discontinue wetting the foliage, as the 

 fruit is apt to get spotted and spoilt in appearance. When you cut a 

 bunch cut at the same time the shoot it was growing on to within four 

 or five buds of the stem. Of course, leading shoots must not be thus 

 pruned back. By this means the buds for next year's crop will swell 

 up full, and gain additional strength. S. B. 



THE FLOWER AND VEGETABLE GARDENS. 



Hot House, or Stove Plants. — Air, or orchideous plants, are not 

 much cultivated yet, although they repay cultivation, and are easier 

 grown than is often imagined. Many Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, and 

 ;- Oncidiums will do well in the warm and shadiest part of a moist green 

 (2* house. A friend of ours has now in beautiful bloom in his only house 



- y __^Q5M 



