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wall be seven or eight feet high, plant the vines about three feet and a half apart, and train every alternate one similar to fig. 7, and the others in a horizontal manner, resembling fig. 4. If the summer shoots, during their growth, interfere with each other, the remedy is easy. From the flexibility of the shoots of the vine, they can be trained in any manner that convenience may dictate; and the more they are bent and curved about, the more fruitful do they become. It is this property, indeed, that enables the skilful cultivator to cover the face of a wall with full crops of grapes, in a much shorter space of time, and with a far greater degree of certainty, than can be done in respect to any other description of fruit.

CHAPTER XII.

WEEKLY CALENDARIAL REGISTER; comprehending the practical details of the Management* of a Vine, from the bursting of the bud, to the fall of the leaf.

April 1st. This is one of the most interesting

periods of the year to observe the vine. The plant having been apparently in a state of rest for several months, now begins to awake from its slumber, and the buds will be seen swelling with eagerness to escape from their winter habitation. Examine them all carefully, to see

if any are impeded in their growth,

* The operations directed in the following Register, to be performed on or about the respective days named, are applicable to a medium aspect, a season moderately favourable to the culture of the vine, and to latitude 503o north. In a very favourable aspect, or season, therefore, or in a latitude farther south, the different stages in the growth of the shoots, &c. of a vine, as indicated in the Register, will occur a little earlier; while, on the contrary, if the aspect or season be unfavourable, or the latitude be much farther north, they will be found to take place a few days later. It may be remarked, also, that the directions for management are intended to be of general application, and not to refer exclusively to a vine pruned or trained in any particular

manner.

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in consequence of the shoots having been nailed too closely to the wall or otherwise. All such buds must be immediately relieved, by cutting the shreds which confine them, or by putting small bits of wood, or other convenient things, betwixt the shoots and the wall, and thereby making a space for the buds to swell in. In dry weather, fork up the border to the depth of a couple of inches, that it may be loose and open, to receive the full benefit of the sun and air.

8th. The buds will now be sufficiently un

folded, to shew the extremities of the first bunches of fruit, peeping out betwixt the beautiful crimson edges of the embryo leaves. Look carefully again over all the buds, and if any be confined, and have not sufficient room to push their shoots freely, give them relief immediately.

15th. Some of the buds will now be unfolded two or three inches in length, and the leaves as they increase in size, will part with their variegated tints, and gradually assume their permanent colours. The small buds which

frequently accompany the principal ones, should now be rubbed off. 22nd. Such shoots as have grown four or five inches in length, will shew all the bunches of fruit which they will bear in the current season. Continue to examine the young shoots, to see if any of them are crippled, or obstructed in their growth, and if so, give the necessary relief.

29th. If any small or secondary buds still remain, rub them off immediately, as they will now impede the growth of the young shoots. If weeds begin to appear in the border, hoe them up, or pull them with the hand, and rake the surface smooth and clean.

May 6th. The shoots will now grow rapidly, and the bunches of fruit unfold in quick succession. Continue to look over the former, and to remove any thing that may obstruct their growth.

13th. The shoots will now be of sufficient length to be nailed to the wall. With respect to this operation, the rule to be observed, is, never to any shoot to grow more than

suffer

twelve inches without nailing it, to protect it from the injurious effects of the wind, and to give it the benefit of the warmth of the wall by close contact. This operation must be performed very carefully throughout this month, as the young shoots are extremely tender and brittle. There will be many shoots emitted from different parts of the vine, that will neither shew fruit, nor be of a sufficient size to be retained for future bearers. All such must be now rubbed off, unless foliage be required to cover any adjacent bunches of fruit, in which case, pinch the tops off at the second or third joint, and they will not then require to be nailed. In managing the vine throughout the season, be careful to observe this general rule; that every operation in which the shoots, leaves, or fruit are concerned, must be performed when the whether is dry, and after the dew is dissipated in the morning, and before it begins to fall in the evening.

20th. Nail the shoots that shew fruit, and that are intended to be cut out at

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