OF THE VINE. 



81 



especially in a sheltered situation, and particularly 

 with the assistance of a bottom-heat,) it will be 

 proper to bring them into a hot-house about the 

 beginning of September ; because, if permitted to 

 stand in the open air, they generally lose their 

 leaves on the first autumnal frost ; and after this 

 the wood cannot attain to a proper degree of ma- 

 turation ; whereas, in the hot-house, they will 

 constantly retain their leaves till the beginning of 

 December ; and, when this is the case, the wood 

 will generally be in the highest degree of perfection. 



About the middle of December the plants should 

 be pruned down to the proper lengths required ; 

 if intended to take through the front wall of an hot- 

 house, three feet and a half is a sufficient length ; 

 but if intended to plant in a Vinery, they should 

 be cut down to eight or nine inches. 



Towards the latter end of December it will be 

 necessary to remove the plants into a green-house, 

 glass-case frame, &c. ; in which cool situation they 

 must remain till the middle or towards the latter 

 end of February ; when, if the season proves to- 

 lerably favourable, they should be planted out for 

 good. 



During the time the plants stand in this cool 

 situation, they should be watered very sparingly ; 

 a little water given every ten or twelve days, just 

 to keep the mould in the pots moderately moist, 

 will be quite sufficient. Give plenty of air in mild 

 weather, and especially towards the latter part of the 

 time ; for if the plants are kept too close and warm, 



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