334 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [No. 11 



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ter, nor the want of heat in summer that they have to be grown un- r»J 

 der glass. We question, whether as a general thing they would with- M} 

 stand the extremes of sun and frost during winter, as those mentioned 

 above were under peculiar circumstances, but by laying ibem close 

 to the ground and covering with leaves they would remain uninjured. 

 But the beriies of these high flavored fruits are thin skinned and their 

 delicate tissues are injured by the aridity of our clear climate in sum- 

 mer. Our observation leads us to believe that the fruit would be less 

 likely to be acted upon by the atmosphere were the plants trained 

 perpendicularly, that the foliage might to a certain extent protect the 

 fruit. As houses are at present constructed this system of training can 

 only be pirtially adopted, as the upright available space gradually 

 diminishes towards the sides. Hut by raising the sides to an equal 

 height of ten feet all round, and forming the roof with a series of 

 small spans laid on horizontal rafters, the highest part not exceeding 

 twelve feet, a much more convenient perpendicular space would be 

 available, the plants could be set out in lines trained to upright trel- 

 lises, or stout branches of trees might be inserted and the vine allow- 

 ed to twine in a somewhat natural manner, a suitable atmospheric 

 humidity would be easier preserved in a house of this description, 

 and more fruit would be produced in a given space than in ordinarily 

 constructed houses. Those who are in the habit of picking off leaves 

 for the purpose of letting in light to color the fruit, will probably 

 object to this mode of training, but any person who has gathered 

 strawberries will remember that they found the richest and best col- 

 ored fruit hid among the loliage. 



For planting we prefer one year old plants that have been raised 

 from eyes, and made a good growth. Older plants from being con- 

 fined in comparatively small pots, will generally be found to have 

 their roots twisted and cramped, and in consequence do not grow away 

 so rapidly as younger ones. Indeed, the best season's growth we ever 

 saw was on a plant raised from an eye the same year. Having pro- 

 cured plants from a reliable source, (this is important) cut them down 

 to three buds, and prepare for planting about the beginning of April. 

 Have in readiness a light compost, the principal ingredient of which 

 is leaf mould, to lay in immediate contract with the roots, after 

 carefully disengaging and laying them evenly out. Plant inside the 

 house; this has nothing to do with the extent of the border, as the 

 house should be built so as the roots haVe access underneath the walls, 

 unless the house is large enough to allow sufficient- extent of border 

 inside, which is decidedly preferable. As to sorts it is much a matter 

 of taste. We would, however, plant freely of Regal Muscadine, J 

 \ White and Black Frontignan, Tripoli, Black Hamburgh, Esperion A 

 u; and Victoria. The Muscat should be planted at one end by them- G\ 



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