October 37, 1892. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
369 
No doubt it would be interesting to many of 
your readers to know whether the heavy crop of 
Grapes per Vine recorded by Mr. Dunkin in your 
last issue are Vines with more than one rod, and 
what length they are. This is an exceptional 
weight, for Hamburghs especially, to carry, and 
this without the aid of stimulants, for in my 
experience this Grape above all others resents 
heavy cropping in the prospect of a good finish. 
Having spent a few years in a well-known 
establishment near the metropolis, I am well aware 
that market growers go in for extraordinary crops ; 
but they work upon entirely different lines to 
private growers, and how long does the practice 
last ? I for one should like to hear something 
about the general management to insure such fine 
crops of Grapes. I must confess I am a long way 
behind the times. Some districts no doubt are 
admirably suited to the requirements of various 
kinds of Grapes, which is of material consequence 
in bringing a heavy crop to a good finish, combined 
with a good spread of foliage and good manage¬ 
ment. I agree with Mr. Dunkin that a moderate 
extension of growth is one of the best methods 
for keeping up the stamina of the Vine for a long 
period. I think stopping at the bunch too sharp 
practice, especially if the leaves get damaged in 
any way, for by the time fresh growth starts it 
is getting late in the day to be of much service 
in perfecting the fruit. 
This “ something ” in the way of colouring black Grapes, too, 
would be highly instructive, for, judging from the moderately 
finished examples we see on the average in our travels, it cannot be 
quite so simple as it at first appears. Grapes good enough for 
home consumption are produced in quantity, but they are a very 
long way from a first-class standard of excellence, judging from 
what we see staged at many of our leading horticultural exhibitions 
and elsewhere.—J. J. C. 
[We have other communications on this subject for which space 
cannot be found this week.] 
FIG. 50. —APPLE THE PROFESSOR. 
embowered in creepers and skirted by lawn and borders, stands on the 
right. There resides the venerable father of the enterprising Joseph 
and Alexander Cheal, the well-known partners in the firm. Though his 
life spans two centuries, his hair being silvered by the snows of ninety- 
two winters, his physical vigour is by no means exhausted, and his 
intellect is keen and clear. I recently heard of him wishing to dismount 
from a trap to pick up the fallen umbrella of a visitor, who, though 
bearing the honours of a long life’s work for horticulture, is still many 
years his junior. Pure air, plain food, and hard work are the three 
principles which have dominated the life of Mr. Cheal, senior. They 
are potent antidotes to the evils that beset humanity. 
occurred. I followed this treatment this season also, with a like 
result. 
Lateral growth is encouraged on all the Vines, pinching them 
occasionally during full growth. On an Alicante Vine this year 
one shoot produced a bunch at the point of it, no growth whatever 
being made beyond it. As a curiosity it was left to develop. Five 
leaves are on the branch between the rod and the bunch, which is 
of extra good shape, berries of same size as the others, colour also 
the same. The bunch weighs about 6 lbs. I find that Muscats 
especially, where lateral growth is allowed, require a greater 
quantity of water than when stopped close to the bunch, otherwise 
shrivelling occurs. In the case of Muscats, and Madresfield Court 
in particular, I shall continue to allow a little lateral growth until 
I am dissatisfied with the results. 
I have heard some say, “ Why permit lateral growth and then 
have to cut it away again ? It is pure waste and harmful.” 
Undoubtedly it is if they grow unchecked and form a thicket 
excluding both light and air from the main leaves ; but from my 
experience with both young and old Vines I have not yet found any 
evil effects from the practice, but rather benefit if moderation be 
the rule. 
This discussion between Mr. Dunkin and Mr. Iggulden is a 
most valuable one, and gardeners who have not had 
much experience in Vine culture will find it diffi¬ 
cult to decide which to follow, so ably do both 
defend their practice and teaching. Therefore I 
would say studiously read both.— Geo. Garner, 
Amberwood, Christchurch. 
towards the west, bold and beautiful in the distance, and full of 
delights if wandered amongst in the freshness of an October morning. 
Farther on, however, an almost right angular bend of the road turns the 
visitor towards Crawley and Brighton, and the hills of Surrey are left 
behind. The thoroughfare pursues a pleasant but hardly gardenesque 
course until the long lines of Conifers and fruit trees on the right 
betray the location of the Lowfield nurseries, even before the board 
signifying their existence there becomes discernible. A sign-post near 
Horley station tells you that the distance to Crawley is five miles, but 
two out of the five may be deducted if a call at Cheat's is in view, for 
the nurseries are that distance on the London side of Crawley, and, as a 
matter of fact, they are within the borders of Surrey. 
Few plant homes present a more pleasing view to the wayfarer than 
that at Lowfield. It grows upon him from the first, and as it stretches 
along by the side of the road for a mile or more, with fresh trees, shrubs, 
and flowers opening upon the view at every stride, and culminates in 
a broad flower-lined drive, ablaze with colour from spring to autumn, 
with handsome foliage plants on left and right, it presents a picture 
such as arouses the interest and sympathy of every visitor. Its aspects 
are changing, of course. He who passes it week by week, as spring 
deepens into summer and summer mellows into autumn, anon in the 
freshness of early morning and again in the cool hush of eventide, will 
best realise its changeful features ; but its charm is perennial if the 
material composing it be varying and diversified. A pleasant old house 
FRUIT GLEANINGS FROM CRAWLEY. 
From the time that opening spring begins to tinge the trees with 
green until the ruddy glows of autumn stain their foliage, Crawley has 
attractions which merit a frequent pilgrimage. The quiet little town 
has a charm of its own, and its surroundings do not become less 
pleasant as they are familiarised by frequent observation. Visitors to 
whom pedestrianism is a wholesome enjoyment and not a terror, might 
alight at Horley if their goal be the great nursery of Messrs. Cheal and 
Sons at Lowfield Heath. The road winds pleasantly from the little 
country station into the main thoroughfare to Brighton opposite a 
church which stands in a beautiful setting of flower-furnished resting- 
places—a true “ garden of sleep.” A few miles away on the right lie 
the range of uplands which stretch away from Redhill and Reigate 
Cordon Pears. 
One of the most striking sights at Crawley is the house of cordon 
Pears which was referred to in late spring as presenting a very 
promising appearance. The present being a very bad Pear year 
its condition when inspected a fortnight ago was the more impressive. 
Trees well furnished with handsome fruit bespoke the advantages of 
this method of Pear cultivation, which practically sets frost at defiance. 
General Todleben was carrying a crop of grand fruits. Bon Vicar is a 
September and October variety, very prolific and useful. Belle de 
Brussels, a Bergamot-like fruit and a good bearer, is promising. 
Thompson’s, which is well known, was fruiting well. It is unex¬ 
celled amongst November Pears for sweetness ; indeed, is too sugary to 
be perfect in flavour. Duchesse de Mouchy is a late variety that will 
perhaps become popular, being a free bearer of very large fruit. 
Beurre Sterckmans was carrying a yery heavy crop of fruit, and this 
