18 



A TREATISE ON THE 



and others. It is the practice of many to keep a very high tem- 

 perature for this most delicious grape, but such, in my opinion, is 

 erroneous. A uniform and progressive heat, as the vine advances 

 in growth, is certainly requisite, and during the period they are in 

 bloom a somewhat closer atmosphere than was before required is 

 essential. There is a peculiar delicacy, if I may so term it, in the 

 formation of the seed-vessels of this grape, which renders it difiicult 

 to set, unless the temperature is well regulated, by keeping it pure, 

 rather moist, and well ventilated; but by no means steam the 

 house at any stage of their growth, more particularly now, as it 

 only tends to increase that precarious weakness which they na- 

 turally undergo. Previously to, and during, the time they are in 

 bloom, be careful to remove every superfluous lateral shoot, so as 

 to admit as much light and air as possible. I do not mean to de- 

 prive them of more than is proper ; but at this period the growth 

 is generally most rapid and vigorous, and two days' inattention 

 would very much encumber and darken the house. 1 by no means 

 recommend the bunches to be exposed to the strong glare of the 

 sun's rays, as they would receive great injury thereby ; but it is 

 highly beneficial that the permanent leaves, which protect the 

 bunches, should be allowed full exposure. Another objection 

 exists in allowing the lateral shoots to grow beyond their allotted 

 space : much moisture is thereby detained, which not only acts pre- 

 judicially to the bunches, but also causes the leaves to be scorched, 

 and hence arise red spider and disfiguration. As soon as the 

 berries are set, lose no time in thinning. With this as with other 

 grapes the sooner that operation is performed the better, which 

 will cause the berries to be much finer. Throughout the whole 

 period of their growth they must be supplied plentifully with tepid 

 water at the roots, occasionally giving a thin decoction of sheep- 

 manure wat«r. Provided the border was made according to the 

 directions before stated, water may be given freely without fear of 

 damage from stagnation ; but few plants are more susceptible of 

 injury from too damp and retentive a soil than the Muscat grape : 

 hence, therefore, arises the necessity of strictly following out the 



