OF THE VINE* 



95 



regard to the preservation of the wood ; because 

 every Vine-shoot that was left more than twenty 

 feet long at the last year's pruning, with intent to 

 produce a crop of fruit, must be cut down nearly 

 to the bottom at the next winter's pruning. 



But all the rest of the Vines, that were cut 

 down at the last year's pruning, I will suppose one 

 at every other rafter, must be trained with one 

 shoot each, exactly the same in every respect as in 

 the preceding season. 



When grapes are at the last swelling r , and till 

 they are nearly on the point of being ripe, the 

 Vines will require a plentiful supply of water, and 

 especially if the season should prove hot and dry. 

 Few plants perspire so abundantly as the Vine, and 

 more particularly when it is under glasses. The 

 situation of Vines, trained in pine-stoves, may be 

 considered exactly in a similar state with Vines 

 growing in very hot climates. Near the tropics, 

 for instance, we are told that at the Madeiras they 

 do not attempt to plant vineyards, even where 

 both soil and situation are the most desirable, 

 without a command of water s , the Vines there re- 



r The last swelling of grapes commences at the time they 

 begin to be transparent. At this period, the red, black, &c. 

 grapes begin to change from green to red, black, &c. re- 

 spectively. 



s " The great produce of Madeira is the wine, from which 

 it has required fame and support. Where the soil, exposure, 

 and supply of water will admit of it, the Vine is cultivated. 

 The inclosures of the vineyards consist of walls, and hedges of 

 prickly pear, pomegranates, myrtles, brambles, and wild roses, 



