74 
THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ April, 
for if the flowers are not properly fertilised they will probably fall off, or perhaps 
small berries may be formed, but as no seeds can be produced, they, as a conse¬ 
quence of this non-fertilisation, will not grow to their proper size. Fig. 12 is an 
illustration of this, which may be termed “ abortive setting.” The fertilising 
process, in a mechanical point of view, consists in the application of the pollen to 
the stigma, or point of the style or pistil of the flower. It is effected at a very 
early stage, the little jerk occasioned by the dislodgment of the cap or covering 
causing the pollen-dust to be dispersed. This is generally effected naturally, or 
without any assistance beyond the maintenance of the proper atmosphere, tem¬ 
perature, &c., and these, of course, vary according to circumstances, which will 
be noticed more fully hereafter. 
Some cultivators consider it absolutely necessary to maintain a very high 
temperature continuously—from 65° to 70° by night—for the setting of their 
Grapes- This may be desirable for the forcing-on of the Grapes, but it is really 
not required for the mere ‘ setting ’ of the fruit. For example, in late houses 
and on the open walls, the Grapes set their fruit quite freely at a much lower 
temperature ; we have frequently seen it below 45° at night, and yet the Grapes 
set well. It is, therefore, fair to assume that a temperature ranging from 45° to 
50° by night, is quite high enough for the mere purpose of setting the fruit, pro¬ 
vided there is the desired rise in the temperature during the day. Be it noted 
that the setting process takes place only in the early morning and forenoon. The 
temperature by day should always be high ; if by sun-heat, and there is proper ven¬ 
tilation, the temperature by day can scarcely be too high. The cultivator should 
have no fear of a high sun-temperature. The one great requirement is sunshine— 
only not too suddenly bright after dull weather; this with a fine mild bracing atmo¬ 
sphere, so that fresh air in abundance may be admitted to the houses. It is the 
fine bracing air and the sunshine which induce the dispersion of the pollen, and 
thus effect the setting of the berries. 
At times, when sunshine is wanting, or when it is felt that extra care is 
required, it is well to apply artificial assistance, such as setting the flowers with 
a camel’s-hair brush. The smallest portion of pollen applied to the stigma will 
be sufficient. Or the plan of smartly tapping the stems of the Vines so as to 
shake the bunches, may be adopted, when the pollen will be seen to fly off like a 
cloud of dust. Or again, recourse may be had to drawing the hand gently over 
the bunch. This plan is frequently practised with success amongst the more 
shy setters. It is generally considered desirable to maintain a somewhat drier 
atmosphere at this stage of development, yet some good dultivators successfully 
practice the syringing of the flowers in order to promote the setting process. For 
my own part, I cannot recommend it. 
It is far more difficult to induce some varieties of Grapes to set than others. 
In this respect they could easily be divided into three very distinct classes. In 
the first class, that of the freest setters, we should have as types the Black Ham¬ 
burgh, Eoyal Muscadine, &:c. These are generally so free as not to require any 
