210 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



on the vines after January, and from November until then the 

 chief care must be directed to provide a regular temperature of 

 about -45°, with moderate ventilation, the careful removal of all 

 damaged or decaying berries, and the avoidance of stagnant 

 moisture in the house. When the Grapes have to be cut from 

 the vines for keeping, it is usual now where Grapes are largely 

 grown, to have a special room or part of a fruit-room where 

 they can be kept by inserting the stems in bottles of water sus- 

 pended from the walls so that the bunches hang clear. This 

 method has been long in use on the Continent, and was brought 

 into general notice in this country some years ago by Mr. W. 

 Robinson, and is now almost universally employed in preference 

 to allowing the Grapes to hang so long on the vines. An even 

 temperature of about 45°, the exclusion of direct sunlight, the 

 maintenance of a rather dry atmosphere, and the frequent 

 examination of the bunches, to remove decayed berries, are the 

 principal requisites. The occasional emptying of the bottles and 

 refilling with fresh water is needed, and a small slice cut off the 

 ends of the stems when they have been some time in the bottles 

 will help. Beyond this, the exclusion of cold damp air and 

 frost, with careful watching to prevent the extension of decay or 

 of mildew, little is required to ensure fully ripened Grapes, 

 grown under the treatment advised, keeping fresh until new 

 Grapes are obtainable. 



Varieties. — Those who wish for full descriptions of late Grapes 

 must refer to Dr. Hogg's excellent " Fruit Manual," or to Mr. 

 A. F. Barron's able treatise on the Vine, for I can only attempt 

 general notes on the varieties that have came under my own 

 observation. Taking the black varieties first : — 



Lady Vowiie's Seedling. — This grand variety has several 

 excellent qualities. It is strong ingrowth, sets freely, assumes a 

 fine colour, and keeps well very late in the season, and the flavour 

 is extremely good if it has been well grown and thoroughly 

 ripened. A liberal and long supply of heat is necessary to ensure 

 its perfect finish. Scalded berries are common in this variety, 

 and especial care must be given to the ventilation, as already 

 advised, while very often the shady side of the house suits it 

 best. 



Gros Colmar. — Though so often unsatisfactorily tinted in 

 colour, the great size of the berries renders this a useful market 



