8 On the Growth of Early and Late Grapes under Glass. 



retarding the plants, but to restore the elastic power of the 

 wood, which all Vines invariably lose, that have been exposed 

 for a considerable time to a dry atmosphere. 



If gardeners who have much difficulty in getting their 

 Vines, that have been in the Pine stoves all the winter, to 

 break their eyes regularly, were to turn them out of doors 

 for a few weeks, they would find much benefit from the 

 practice. Every person of observation must have noticed 

 how vigorously and uniformly they break, after having been 

 exposed for some time to frosty weather. Yet many decry 

 this mode of treatment, alleging that they are frequently 

 killed. A great diminution of temperature will condense 

 the sap, and compress the wood exceedingly, but the elasticity 

 may be restored, by washing the branches frequently with 

 cold water in a low temperature, and then they will suffer no 

 injury. A few years ago, when so many Vines failed from 

 the effect of severe frost, those at this place were exposed 

 the whole of the season without the loss of a single plant ; 

 and the subsequent crop was uniformly good. 



These observations are such as experience and success 

 enable me to supply you with, and I shall feel particularly 

 happy, if they should be found useful. 



I have to thank you in an especial manner for the enco- 

 miums you passed on the garden under my care, when you 

 visited it in October last, and am 



Your most obedient humble servant, 



James Acon, 



Worksop Manor, 

 March 2, 1826. 



