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bearing canes — removing as it shows all superfluous growth whicli if 

 allowed to remain would tax the resources of the vine needlessly — 

 seeing that the roots are never allowed to become dry — if this 

 once takes place the cane begins to ripen and the growth of the 

 berries ceases — they begin to ripen also but so long as the cane retains 

 its green colour so long both cane and cluster will continue to grow. 

 By these means you may hope not only for grapes the present season 

 but a supply of good cane with a prophesy of better things the season 

 to follow. 



Just one word in conclusion as to the varieties that it is desirable to 

 cultivate. Tastes differ and no one variety suits everybody. At the 

 head of the list we must put Muscat of Alexandria and where only one 

 vine can be grown then we say let it be Muscat of Alexandria. The 

 green shoots in young vines are apt to suffer from Black Eot, but about 

 half a pound of powdered Sulphate of Iron (green vitriol) dusted over 

 the earth and raked in will remedy this evil. 



As a second vine where more than one can be grown, my choice 

 would be either Eoyal Ascot, Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat or Madres- 

 field Court, Alicante or Alnwick Seedling. These are all black grapes. 

 Royal Ascot is a free bearer — the clusters never turning the scale at 

 over a pound oftener from eight to ten ounces but the grape is very 

 handsome and the quality excellent. Mrs. Pince is a muscat grapo 

 having the same flavour as Muscat of Alexandria. It is a free bearer — 

 has done very well with me and is every way a most desirable grape. 

 Madresfield Court I have grown but it is a difficult grape to grow well 

 and I have oftener failed than succeeded. Where room is ample I would 

 however recommend a trial. Success where every one succeeds is muchy 

 but to succeed where others fail is more. Alnwick Seedling is handsome, 

 good flavoured, very fruitful and not difficult to grow well — the berry 

 is quite as large as Muscat of Alexandria and is a mid-season or late 

 grape. 



Grapes that ripen in the shade are of a superior flavour, take a 

 better colour, look better and keep better, the skin is tenderer and the 

 ripening is more uniform than when exposed to the full light and heat 

 of the sun. Early grapes ripen and take colour better than late 

 grapes. Just as a vine should only have as many clusters as it can 

 mature and perfect thoroughly so also it should only be allowed to 

 have as many canes as it can easily ripen for next season's fruit bear- 

 ing. Make your demands upon your vine as little exacting as you can^ 

 give it kind and generous treatment and it will repay your care abun- 

 dantly. 



