VINERY AT CASTLE MALGWTN. 



305 



By the above mode five bunches of the Muscat of Alexandria 

 have been grown from one bud, but this was merely an experi- 

 ment to show what could be done, and by no means to be recom- 

 mended. The leading shoot is allowed to ramble five or six 

 feet, and then tied across the rafters at the top of the house, and 

 when grown to the above length it is stopped once and no more. 

 Before the grapes take their last swelling it is stopped weekly 

 afterwards, taking care also from the onset to stop all laterals 

 as they make their appearance. There is used for the first 

 house patent felt to keep off heavy rains, and forcing is com- 

 menced with a low temperature, 45°, gradually increasing to 55° 

 and no higher ; before the buds are expanding syringing with 

 tepid water morning and evening, and as the vines advance in 

 growth so the temperature is increased to 70°, and when in 

 flower from 74° to 77° ; the air at this period is kept moist by 

 steaming morning and evening. No difficulty has ever been 

 found in setting the fruit, having always more bunches and berries 

 to cut away than required for a crop. When the berries are 

 set the temperature is reduced to 70° by day and from 60° to 

 63° at night, with every other top sash down from three to six 

 inches during the night if the weather be fine. 



When the grapes begin to colour the atmosphere is kept as 

 dry as possible with a free circulation of air, which not only 

 tends to give the fruit a good flavour, but also to ripen the 

 wood. 



Ground Plan of Houses, and showing Cross Walls beneath the Vine Borders. 



