THE SECOND YEAR's TREATMENT. 



31 



pinched at two leaves from the leading stems, and 

 those laterals that start on the 3 feet that was left of 

 last year's rod must have any bunches they show picked 

 off, with the exception of one or two that may be left 

 to prove the variety and be stopped, say at the fifth 

 joint, and tied ^ the wires. AVhen the leading shoot 

 has gone half up the rafter, it may be stopped, and 

 then allowed to start again, and not stopped more till 

 the autumn pruning. The laterals below the middle 

 of the house must also be stopped every time they start 

 beyond one joint. Vines started as early as these have 

 been will be nearly ripe by the end of July, and at that 

 date the laterals on the young wood that is to bear 

 fruit the following year should be cut off close to the 

 base of the stalk of the leaf that springs from the lead- 

 ing rod; but this leaf itself should be carefully pre- 

 served, as it will still be of service in laying up sap to 

 plump the fruit-bud for next year. The house may 

 now have abundance of air night and day, till the 

 leaves become yellow and fall off in September, when 

 the laterals on the previous year's wood may be cut 

 back to an eye that will be found at the base of the 

 said lateral, where it springs from the parent stem. 

 The leaves should all be cleared off now, the rods cut 

 back to 8 feet, and any loose bark on the previous 

 year's wood removed ; after which give them a good 

 wash with tepid water and a little soap, and then paint 

 with the same mixture as recommended for the previ- 

 ous year, if spider has made its appearance to the vines 

 for the season. At this season every part of the 

 interior walls of the vinery should be washed with hot 

 lime white-wash, with a little sulphur stirred in it, and 

 all the woodwork and glass cleaned thoroughly with 

 soap and water, well dashed into every corner. 



