ioo8 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



By the aid of modern appHances the skilful gardener has 

 now no difficulty in providing a daily supply of good Grapes 

 for his employer's table all the year round. For first supplies 

 (ripe in April or early in May) Pot Vines (Fig. 654) are desirable. 



Fruiting canes are 

 sold by the leading 

 nurserymen. These 

 are best potted into 

 larger pots having 

 perforated sides 

 (taking care to dis- 

 turb the roots as 

 little as possible in 

 potting) and placed 

 on slabs in a well- 

 heated, span -roofed 

 house early in 

 November. Under- 

 neath the slabs or 

 staging should be 

 hot-water pipes to 

 supply bottom-heat. 

 All round the pots 

 turf or fibrous loam 

 should be tightly 

 packed to a width 

 of about 6in., and 

 all the vacant space 

 on the slabs or beds 

 filled up firmly with 

 fresh leaves or litter. These will generate a nice gentle heat, 

 that will be maintained by the pipes underneath, and the roots 

 of the vines will pass into the loam through the perforated 

 sides of the pots, and should ensure a heavy crop of fine 

 Grapes. 



A temperature of 5odeg. will be high enough to start the 

 vines in, thoroughly moistening the canes, floors, &c., on the 

 mornings of bright days, and as the canes break or commence 

 growing gradually increasing the temperature up to 65deg., with 

 a slight fall at night. When the plants begin to flower, syring- 

 ing should cease, and a little drier atmosphere should be 

 maintained, with a slightly higher temperature, only damping 

 the paths, bed, &c., on the mornings of bright days. About 

 mid-day the canes ought to be given a sharp rap with the hand 

 to distribute the pollen and thus aid the flowers to set. When 

 the set is complete, more atmospheric moisture may be given, the 

 grower being guided as to the amount by the state of the weather — 

 if dull, giving little or none, and if bright, then giving freely in 



