344 
TEE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
consumed at the same time as these fruits. I think it would. As 
an example of the higher value of grapes at Christmas, it may be 
mentioned that in the market they are worth three times the price 
of similar samples sold three months previously. 
In the production of late grapes it is essential to plant sorts that 
will keep in good condition for a considerable period. One of the 
best of these is the Kempsey Alicante, a very handsome grape, of 
fine flavour. It is not quite so hardy as the Black Hamburgh, and 
requires the assistance of a little artificial heat in dull and damp 
weather during tlie summer, hady Downe's Seedling is also good 
for late keeping, but it does not set its berries quite so well as the 
preceding, and frequently suffers severely from “ scalding,” and the 
branches have the appearance of having had boiling water poured 
over them. This is in most instances due to insufficient ventilation, 
and by increasing the ventilation, and admitting air earlier in the 
day than usual, as soon as the first berry is attacked, very little harm 
will be done. Madresjield Court Slack Muscat and Jilrs. Pince'a 
Muscat are also very good grapes in skilful hands, but they cannot 
be recommended to the notice of the amateur cultivator. The best 
white grape for late keeping is the Muscat of Alexandria, but it 
requires a high temperature, and a very considerable amount of skill 
is necessary to bring it to perfection. It cannot be grown with either 
of the above-mentioned varieties, and the amateur will act wisely 
in cultivating black sorts only. 
The mouth of November presents a most favourable opportunity 
for planting the vines, for they can be more readily obtained from 
the nurseries than when in full growth in the spring. They more- 
over can be planted with a greater degree of certainty of their doing 
well. The borders should be well drained, and consist chiefly of 
mellow turfy loam. The general management of the vines will be 
the same as of those producing crops for autumn use, and therefore 
it is unnecessary to speak of it in detail. Although the crop will 
not be required until Christmas, it must be quite ripe in September, 
for after that period there will not be sufficient sunheat to develop 
the proper flavour and colour, and moreover, imperfectly ripened 
samples will not keep so well as those which have attained perfect 
maturity. To keep the grapes in good condition through the winter, 
a cool temperature and a dry atmosphere are essential. No plants 
must be kept in the house, for the moisture arising from them will 
do an immense amount of mischief. The bunches should after the 
end of October be carefully examined about once a week, and all 
berries showing traces of decay removed, to prevent the others 
being injured by them. After a period of damp weather, especially 
if the roof is not water-tight, a little fire during the day will be 
useful in assisting to dispel the dampness, but it is necessary to 
guard against the use of too much fire-heat, for if the temperature 
is kept too high the grapes will be converted into raisins, and ren- 
dered comparatively worthless. 
In cases where a few canes of a late sort are planted in a house 
with Black Hamburgh s, and the house is required for bedding or 
other plants, the bunches may be kept in water in a cool dark room. 
