1868 . ] 
AERIAL ROOTS UPON VINES. 
61 
In reference to Mr. Cramb’s remarks (p. 28), I see no reason to alter 
my opinion. I do not for a moment deny that a hot, moist, and quiet 
atmosphere is a condition favourable to the production of aerial roots, 
but it is not a predisposing cause; and we ought to look farther than 
that for other causes likely to influence their production. I have fruited 
by the score pot Vines placed on a stage over the pipes, in a house subjected 
continually, up to the time of the fruit colouring, to a hot and moist 
atmosphere, yet these never produced aerial roots, but in the same house 
were stems trained up the rafters from an outside border and these did very 
often produce aerial roots. Hence it is very obvious to me, why Vines 
plunged as described, should produce aerial roots ; but so many things bear 
upon the subject, that I must not now occupy more valuable space. 
Redlecif . John Cox. 
f BELIEVE Mr. Cox is right in his opinion that inequality of tempera¬ 
ture between root and branch is one of the primary causes of this 
f evil. His remarks are convincing, though they suggest the necessity 
of examining our whole system of Vine culture to see if there are not 
other causes, arising from the want of a closer observation as the 
Vine passes through its different stages of growth. It is well known that 
the Vine, though placed in the most favourable positions as regards root 
and branch, does not always root and grow with the same vigour, and is 
sometimes unable to carry a full crop, although it is too much the custom 
to take one nevertheless ; whereas if assistance w r ere afforded it by reducing 
its crop, say one-third or more, or if it were otherwise encouraged, its 
weakness and air-rooting propensities would probably be but of temporary 
duration. I have practised this plan with success, and air roots have only 
appeared one year. 
I also think that closer observation is needed w T hen starting a Vine 
into growth, in order to secure that its roots shall be the principal agents 
in causing the buds to break. This can be realised by applying to the roots 
the best heating materials at command, about three weeks before the 
house is finally closed for forcing; and then, by avoiding a too moist 
atmosphere and too high a temperature for the first fortnight, a more 
uniform action between root and branch would be ensured, and the 
tendency to produce air roots would be checked. Take a pot Vine as an 
illustration: plunge the pot in a mild bottom heat, until root action 
commences, and then set the top to work also. Such a Vine will bear 
nearly any amount of heat and moisture without producing air roots. I 
am of opinion that strong north and east winds have a great retarding 
influence on the root action of Vines, especially those in outside borders. 
This, of course, cannot be avoided altogether; therefore I should advise 
