MARCH. 
83 
These, and other cases I could mention, have proved to me that the 
source of mildew is frequently to be found in the atmosphere of hot¬ 
houses. We know that the Vine will grow healthy, and more or less 
robust, in any pure common garden-soil; consequently, if the border 
is well drained and no extreme moisture has entered into the composi¬ 
tion of it, mildew will not be found. One thing, however, my expe¬ 
rience enables me to speak against, viz., decaying wood buried in the 
soil. This I have known to be productive of mildew. A question of 
importance is, the temperature the roots are in, and were the early 
crops only affected the blame might reasonably rest here. The present 
uncertain and imperfect modes of giving warmth to Vine-borders are 
not satisfactory; and while gardeners continue to make borders two 
and three feet in depth, a useless obstacle is placed in the way not 
easily overcome. We fare much better with the atmosphere of hot¬ 
houses. Heat and moisture we have at command; air also can gene¬ 
rally be admitted—not always with success, but, with favourable 
weather and attention, a fair share of success is obtained. The Vine 
temperature ranges from 45° to 90°. During the growing season 
water is generally well supplied, agreeably with the temperature main¬ 
tained ; but as the fruit approaches maturity the case changes, and, 
during the ripening process, water in any shape is entirely withheld. 
Sulphur is applied to the pipes, the walls washed with lime, and every 
means taken to keep insects in subjection; but nothing is further done 
to promote the health of the foliage, to prolong its usefulness, or encou¬ 
rage its vigour. Am I right in saying that theory condemns this part 
of routine ? That it is, in any way, necessary to flavour or colour the 
fruit I entirely deny; and the experience of many good gardeners con¬ 
firms my statement. Had I adhered to it, I never could have carried 
Grapes through a transition state, without additional injury, in any 
reasonable time. My practice is to use moisture at all times, in pro¬ 
portion to the temperature; and while the Grapes are colouring, and 
for flavour, give more air and keep the moisture in constant movement. 
The syringe is not used upon the Vines after they begin to colour, but 
the water-troughs are worked as usual; and if the weather is dry the 
floors and body of the house more frequently damped. Nor does this 
treatment stop when the Grapes are ripe; more air and an additional 
fire in foggy weather, to increase the circulation, is all the change I find 
necessary to keep ripe Grapes until March the following year, with at 
least an equal share of success with those who follow a different method. 
Upon this point, then, rests the question of plants and Grapes growing 
together; once granted, the only matter of detail is what plants are 
suitable. From the time that the Vines break their buds until the 
Grapes are nearly ripe, almost all stove plants are suitable; afterwards 
a change of many should take place, and, if the season is winter, their 
places will be well occupied by those intended for the flower-garden. 
H. B. 
