ON THE VINERY. 



123 



The latter end of February, or beginning of 

 March, is quite soon enough to begin to force. 

 Moderate fires should be made for two or three 

 days before the glasses are put on, as this will dry 

 the wall, and prevent a strong steam from arising 

 in the house. The border should be raked smooth ; 

 and if a little fine sand be thinly sprinkled thereon, 

 it will contribute to the sun's reflection, to thewhole- 

 someness of the air, and give a neatness to the house. 



Plenty of air should be given whenever the 

 weather will permit, and especially for the first 

 ten or twelve days. This, with moderate fires, 

 will cause the buds to break turgid, bold, and of 

 a good colour. When a Vinery is kept warm and 

 close at this critical season, the buds generally 

 break pointed, weak, and of a yellowish hue. 



Vines that have been exposed to the weather, 

 generally break at almost every eye when forced 

 at this season. The case is different with those 

 that are kept constantly covered, as has been 

 observed in treating upon Vines in a hot-house. 



Many of the superfluous shoots should be rubbed 

 off as soon as they appear, as this will contribute 

 to invigorate the remaining shoots. And as soon 

 as the bunches appear, it will be proper to go over 

 the Vines, and carefully divest them of all but the 

 necessary shoots. 



The shoots should not be left on the principals 

 nearer together than twelve, fifteen, or eighteen 

 inches ; a matter to be determined by the kinds, 

 that is, whether they produce small or large leaves. 



