CULTURE OF THE VINE. 



19 



instructions laid down with reference to the draining of the 

 border. 



Do not syringe the vines after the buds have advanced to the 

 length of two inches^ even should the red spider make its appear- 

 ance,, but from which, with due care, little damage need be appre- 

 hended. The same application may be resorted to with success 

 as, in the case of other vineries, is recommended in the former 

 chapter. From the time the grapes are in bloom until they are 

 ripe, the temperature by night ought to be kept about sixty-five 

 degrees, and by day from seventy-six to eighty or eighty-five 

 degrees, but never let it attain the latter without admitting plenty 

 of air. As soon as the grapes begin to change colour for ripen- 

 ing, the top lights must be a little way open by night, regulating 

 the space according to the weather ; at the same time maintaining 

 the above internal temperature by the application of fire-heat 

 should it be needed. You will thus have a pure, sweet, and 

 healthy climate, which will tend greatly to the swelling, colouring, 

 and flavour of the berries. As the fruit progresses to perfection, 

 the less water will they require at the roots ; but do not allow the 

 border to become too dry, which will always be the case when the 

 ground is full of small cracks. When water is given to the inside 

 border, be careful to give it on clear days, and at times when 

 plenty of air can be given to the house, as it enables the vapour 

 arising from watering to pass off without lodging on the foliage, 

 which would be the case if done on a dull dark day, when but 

 little air can be given. 



Pursue the same uniform treatment until the grapes are tho- 

 roughly ripe, when less heat must be given, keeping the tempe- 

 rature at forty-five to fifty degrees, and as dry as possible. But 

 to ensure a longer continuance of the fruit remaining in a perfect 

 state, the following is the method I have adopted for years, and 

 with the most successful result : — Previous to the grapes beginning 

 to shrivel, and when they have received all the nourishment they 

 can obtain from the vine, cut the branch off, with the bunch 

 attached, at the distance of one eye before the bunch, and imme- 



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