1868 . ] 
VINE STOCKS, AND THEIR USES. 
15 
induce tliem to set their buds. They will begin to bloom in November, 
and by moving a few at a time into a warmer bouse, the blooming season 
may be continued till the spring—the Russellianum hybrids being used 
to come in after those of the truncatum group are past. 
It would be an interesting experiment for amateurs, and others having 
time at their disposal, to endeavour to obtain a hybrid between E. trun¬ 
catum and Cereus fiagelliformis, as it is more than probable that a distinct 
and useful progeny would be the result. In order to accomplish this the 
former would need retarding, as C. fiagelliformis does not usually flower 
till late in the spring, or in the early summer months. Seedling plants 
flower in three years from the time of sowing the seed. 
Tooting. W. Buckley. 
VINE STOCKS, AND THEIR USE IN GRAPE-GROWING. 
vjZJJpUCH has lately been said about Grape-growing, but my opinion is 
|jJ JP 0 that we lmow very little as yet as to what can be done for its improve- 
rnent. I am satisfied from experiment that we have a broad and 
fertile field before us; but curious, interesting, and satisfactory as 
they were, my experiments were only as a beginning of this work. I 
have long thought that for early forcing a great gain might be secured by 
working the Yines upon stocks having quick root-action, such as Graham’s 
Muscat Muscadine, or the Chasselas Musque. I have no doubt but that 
when worked on the kinds I have named, the flavour would be much im¬ 
proved, and the fruit matured much earlier. The character of the fruit is, 
however, sometimes changed by grafting ; for instance, I have grafted the 
Royal Ascot (which is an oval Grape), on Graham’s Muscat Muscadine, 
and thus grafted, it is not so large in the berry, but quite round, and even 
improved in flavour. 
For a late crop of Grapes, and for hanging, the Yines should be grafted 
on Lady Downes’ Seedling, West’s St. Peter’s, or some other variety that 
retains its leaves till late in the season ; for Grapes cannot be expected 
to hang in a fresh condition without some sap flowing in the wood, or 
without leaves. Some years ago I bought a seedling Grape that promised 
well as a variety for late use, and as a companion to the Lady Downes’, 
from which it was raised, though it was of a beautiful golden colour. 
This, as it fruited on the seedling plant, was first-rate in all respects, but 
subsequently it has been a bad setter, and when stoning would become 
galled and scalded in the most extraordinary manner. But it is one of the 
strongest growers I know; and as I had propagated many plants of it, I de¬ 
termined, on finding it useless as a fruit-bearer, to try its value as a stock, 
for which purpose I planted out several in my vineries. Those in my Muscat 
