128 



DECEMBER — FOURTH WEEK. 



they will, in due time, be useful for planting out in the 

 exhausted Asparagus-frames or pits. 



Haspberbies. — When a few early dishes would be 

 considered a treat, if some canes are taken up and planted 

 in any vacant spot in the Peach-house, they will be found 

 to bear fruit abundantly with common care. It is a 

 more certain method of obtaining fruit than by potting 

 them. 



Vines. — When started and until the buds are fairly 

 broken, endeavour to keep the points of the shoots nearly 

 on a level with the lowest part of the Vine, and if that 

 should not be found sufficient to induce the buds to start 

 regularly throughout the whole length of the Vine, the 

 rod should be bent so as to bring the most forward buds 

 to the lowest level, and elevating those that are backward. 

 A moist atmosphere to be kept up by sprinkling the floor 

 and paths, and by syringing the Vines lightly every 

 morning and evening until the leaves begin to appear, 

 when the supply of moisture will not be so much required. 

 Introduce a lot in pots to some house, pit, or frame pre- 

 pared with leaves or manure, if not done as advised last 

 week. At first, Vines in pots are most useful for early 

 work, as they, in many places, save the established Vines 

 in houses, from the hazardous operation of early excite- 

 ment. Increase the temperature slightly when the buds are 

 beginning to swell, or are starting a little. The ferment- 

 ing material in the house to be stirred up occasionally. 

 This fermenting material should, if possible, consist of a 

 large proportion of leaves mixed with the dung, to prevent 

 the steam from the latter discolouring the rafters and 

 sashes ; and if the vapour is likely to be too strong, a 

 thin covering of sawdust or old tan will prevent any 

 injurious effects. If the roots are outside the house, and 

 had been covered before the commencement of frost, as 

 advised, some more dung and leaves should be added to 

 keep up a genial heat in the border, the good effects of 

 which will be soon evident in the progress of the Vines 

 inside. When the Grapes are all cut in the late houses, 

 the Vines to be pruned immediately, and the cuts to be 

 covered with white lead. 



Printed at the Horticultural Press, Winchester. 



