OF THE VINE. 



91 



outside of the house, against the approach of 

 frost, as one severe night would greatly injure, if 

 not totally destroy, the hopes of the crop. 



As soon as the sap rises, its motion is exceed- 

 ingly rapid ; and, if part of the stem be exposed 

 to the external air, a severe frost would entirely 

 stop its circulation. The young shoots and leaves 

 instantly contract, and, during the frost, appear 

 in a shrivelled state ; to prevent which, let the 

 part exposed be well guarded by wrapping it round 

 with moss, fastened by strands of bass matting, to 

 a competent thickness. This covering should be 

 permitted to remain till the spring frosts are en- 

 tirely over; and, when this covering is taken off, 

 let the stem of the plant be made clean by well 

 washing. 



When Vines break out freely, they will push at 

 almost every eye, from the top to the bottom of 

 the shoots, nearly at the same time, and the shoots 

 in general will show two or three bunches each. 

 It will be proper, however, to divest the Vines of 

 their supernumerary shoots, as soon as can be done 

 with propriety, as it will greatly contribute to in- 

 vigorate the remaining shoots. 



It is very easy to distinguish which will make 

 the most promising shoots, even as soon as the eyes 

 begin to break ; and by the time the shoots begin 

 to be three or four inches long, the bunches are 

 very distinguishable. In some kinds, the rudi- 

 ment of the bunches stands so prominent as to be 

 very visible, even at the breaking of the eye. 



