30 



A TREATISE ON THE 



ceed with another vine, and so on till the whole are done, leaving 

 a space of about three inches between the ball of each to be filled 

 up with the same compost as used under them. Cover the sur- 

 face of the roots about one or two inches deep ; the soil, previously 

 to being put round the roots of the vines, must be warmed to the 

 same temperature as the house. As soon as all are tied in their 

 proper places, a good syringing will much assist them ; but do 

 not water at the roots for a few days, except it be absolutely 

 necessary. If any water is given, let it be done by pouring it 

 immediately on the balls. 



Before a w^eek has expired after removing the vines into the 

 troughs, they will begin to show the benefit they are deriving 

 from the change. When sufficiently advanced, stop each shoot 

 one joint beyond the fruit, and leave only one bunch to each, 

 and from eight to twelve to every vine, according to their strength. 

 A heavier crop would deteriorate both from the size and colour 

 of the berries. A plentiful supply of water will now be neces- 

 sary, w^hich can be given abundantly without fear of injury from 

 stagnation ; provided the directions given for the formation of 

 the trough have been strictly attended to. 



Much is gained by very early thinning, which must be carried 

 out according to the instructions given in the previous chapters. 

 The general treatment will require to be the same as described in 

 Chapter I., with this exception, however, that the troughs will 

 require almost a daily supply of water after the vines are fully 

 established. When the fruit has arrived at maturity, and has all 

 been cleared off, the vines may be removed with care, and placed 

 against a wall, protecting the roots from the sun, &c. They will 

 produce a fair crop very early the following season, but certainly 

 not equal to what they do the first year, either in quantity or 

 quality, but whether they are intended for bearing or otherwise, 

 the sooner they are taken out of the house after the crop is cut the 

 better, that the succeeding young ones may be put in their places. 



Before concluding this small treatise, I wish to add a few 

 words in proof of the advantages I have myself derived from a 



