January 12, 18S3. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
81 
- Masters axd Workmen. —Oa Wednesday the 4th inst,, the 
employes of Messrs. Thos. Kivers & Son were entertained to supper in 
one of the large houses, which was decorated for the occasion. About 
ninety-six men sat down to a substantial meal, the catering being in 
the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Camp. Mr. T. F. Rivers, in response to the 
toast of Messrs. Rivers & Son, said he was most happy to see all his men 
around him, and that it was owing to them and to their careful atten¬ 
tion to their duties that the name of Rivers was so well known, not 
only in England, but in every quarter of the globe. He trusted that 
the friendship which existed would continue for years to come. 
growers of the north are cordially supporting the Society, and it is hoped 
also that the southern growers will be able to come in full strength. 
Tamworth is easily reached, being about half way between Birmingham' 
and Derby. 
KEEPING GRAPES. 
The plan I adopt for keeping late Grapes is very simple, and I find 
it answers well, as I always keep them fresh and plump in the berry 
till the early varieties are ready for cutting, which, as a rule, are 
ready about the middle of May, 
Fig. 5.—a portion OF THE GRAPE ROOM AT FLOORS CASTLE. 
- The Midland Counties Pansy Society. —The schedule of 
prizes for the third annual Exhibition of this Society has been issued, 
and we note that the Exhibition for 1893 is to be held at Tamworth, 
Mr. W. Dean still remaining the Hon. Secretary. It is the most liberal 
schedule of prizes ever offered for Pansies and Violas alone, the large 
sum of £64 being devoted to prizes, chiefly in cash, but some medals are 
offered. In addition there are special prizes for lady exhibitors for a 
wreath, cross, basket, or spray of Violas or Pansies, handsome prizes of 
jewellery to the value of £14 being offered for these separate classes. 
Whilst several of the classes are for the growers in the midland counties 
only, a goodly number are open to the United Kingdom ; and it is hoped 
that something in the character of a national meeting of growers will 
result, and that a very large display of blooms will be secured. The 
It will be seen by the photograph that the bottles are fixed in 
shelves made purposely for keeping Grapes. The bottles are filled 
with clean water, with two or three pieces of charcoal in them to act 
as a purifier. Many recommend sugar, saying it adds flavour to the 
Grapes ; but the point I aim at is to try and get the sugar in them 
before they are cut. 
I always start my latest vinery on March 1st, and that gives me a 
good chance of getting the Grapes well coloured and ripe by the end 
of September. Grapes that are not finished by that time stand a 
poor chance of ripening properly, and I find that those well ripened 
keep much the best. 
Thinning is another chief point in keeping Grapes. I always thin 
my Grapes well, especially those that are for keeping, leaving no inside 
