of the Vine* 



85 



the rafters are not of a sufficient depth to keep the 

 leaves of the Vine from touching the glass, the 

 best expedient is, to fix iron pins of about nine 

 inches in length, at proper distances under each 

 rafter. There should be a small hole, or eye, at 

 the bottom of these pins, through which a small 

 iron rod or strong wire should be fixed, for the 

 support of the branch* The pins and wires should 

 be painted as soon as the work is finished, as the 

 moisture, which arises in the hot-house, would in* 

 stantly cause them to rust and decay. 



It is not unusual for Vine-plants, raised in the 

 manner here directed, to shew fruit at one year 

 old. I have often had plants that have borne many 

 bunches at that age, and have sometimes permitted 

 three or four of them to remain on the plant, and 

 they have been brought to a tolerable degree of 

 perfection ; and that, too, even when the plant has 

 grown in a pot not more than one foot diameter. 

 But when Vines are planted with an intent to 

 furnish the roof of an hot-house, they should not 

 be allowed to produce fruit the first season, as it 

 would tend to debilitate the plant, and prevent its 

 progress in growth : however, when a person is 

 desirous of proving the kinds, one bunch, with the 

 berries well thinned, may be suffered to remain, 

 without much injury to the plant. 



During the summer, if the Vines meet with no 

 impediment or disaster, they will make a good 

 progress. Observe, however, to water their roots 

 constantly > and, as their shoots make advances, 



r ^ 



