1875.] HARDINESS OF CLIANTHUS MAGNIFICUS.-VINES AND VINE-CULTURE. 147 
in a nude state until early spring, when it broke freely, and is still growing 
luxuriantly. It has thrown out about twenty shoots from three to four feet 
long, each of these having from four to fourteen laterals. The ends of all these 
shoots are now showing flower, and we are looking forward to another treat such 
as we had last year. 
I am led to make this communication from the suddenness of the flowering 
of the plant last year, after having been planted out; and also to show that the 
plant in its new quarters continues to comport itself by an exhibition of health, 
vigour, and inflorescence excessively pleasing to look at. The plant will be in 
full flower by the end of June or the first week in July.-— Wm. Miller, Combe 
Abbey Gardens. 
HARDINESS OF CLIANTHUS MAGNIFICUS. 
E have a plant of the above that was turned out of a pot last summer 
against a trellis with south aspect, and in a sheltered position. It was 
one out of a number raised from seeds three years ago, and through not 
having room for all under glass, it was planted out. Not expecting it 
to stand the winter so far North, no covering was given until after it had with¬ 
stood 21° of frost. A goodly portion of its foliage remained as green and fresh 
as it was in the autumn, when it is likely to produce its fine racemes of flowers. 
This is a much finer variety than Clianthus puniceus , which it resembles, but it 
is much more robust than that sort, having larger flowers, and fine glossy dark 
green foliage. It may therefore be recommended as being well adapted for 
growing against pillars, either in a conservatory or greenhouse, or on a covered 
wall.—J Webster, Gordon Castle. 
VINES AND VINE-CULTURE.— Chapter VIII. 
Thinning the Fruit. 
'HIS is an operation of considerable importance, not only for the well-being 
of the crop of fruit, but also for the after or lasting well-being of the plant 
itself. The Grape Vine is extremely fruitful, so much so, that were the 
whole crop of the bunches produced by it allowed to remain, the plant 
would soon succumb through over-fertility. It is easily possible to overcrop a 
Vine, and where such has been the case, it takes years for the plant to regain its 
former strength. It is quite impossible to form any estimate, or to say how many 
bunches or what crop a Vine should carry, so much depends upon the health 
and constitution of the plant itself, on its surroundings, and on the subse¬ 
quent management, &c. The rule to follow is this: according to the surface 
of properly developed leaves, &c., so should be the crop of fruit taken. We 
know we must have so many good leaves for every pound of fruit, and the greater 
the amount of properly developed foliage allowed the better. If we bear in mind 
that all the colouring and sweetening matter which goes to the perfecting of the 
berries has first to pass through and be elaborated by the leaves, it will be seen 
o 2 
