XIV 



raTRODUCTlON. 



great measure, disappeared together. After a time the 

 grape-vine again made its appearance, and might be seen 

 not only about the abodes of the rich, but gracing many 

 a cottage home in the southern provinces of England, 

 affording a source of emolument, as well as of pleasure. 

 But, though much cultivated, it is rare that grapes are 

 found to ripen properly in the open air, in our high 

 latitude and clouded skies. The forcing system of cul- 

 tivating grapes, by means of artificial heat, was then 

 resorted to, and, when properly managed, fruit the most 

 delicious in all the world may be thus procured. The 

 author of the following pages has no intention, even if he 

 had the ability, of adding one to the many elaborate 

 treatises written upon this subject. His desire is only 

 to lay down general, comprehensive, and practical rules, 

 which he has worked out and tested for himself, and to 

 which he would fain draw the attention of others. A few 

 simple plans, also the result of experience, which he trusts 

 will be found generally useful to others, are here offered 

 to their notice. All conventional terms, and words fami- 

 liar alone to the horticultmist, are studiously avoided ; 

 and the advice of Cobbett has been attended to, namely, 

 that, in teaching any science, we should avoid using 

 scientific expressions beyond the understanding of the 

 unlearned, and endeavour to teach our readers from what 

 they do already know that which they dio not know. 



