The Garden Under Glass

AN EPITOME OF VINE CULTURE 157 two P.M., at which latter time the structure should be closed to keep in as much sun-heat as possible. For young vines, or those started into growth quite early, it is usual to tie the rods down horizontally along the house in order that the lower buds will start into growth at the same time as those at the top, which is found not to be the case unless this precaution is taken. Training a Vine To beginners there always seems to be some great mystery in the training of a vine. When I was in my teens I had just that feeling, but with a little knowledge it is very soon dispersed. Perhaps I had better begin with the autumn work of pruning, which is really the first beginning to put the vine in the way of starting in the spring. This is really a very simple matter. Every side growth or lateral is cut hard back to within two buds of its base. Only one growth will be required in most cases, but it is well to leave two buds, so that if one fails we can rely on the other. It is far better to use a knife than secateurs for pruning, as the latter has a tendency to split the growth. Now in the spring both these buds will probably produce a growth, but as only one will be required the less desirable one should be rubbed out when about two inches long, giving the growth nearest the rod the preference of re-maining if there is not much difference between them. When the growths are about three inches long the vine rods should be tied permanently in place, and we are at once confronted with the work of Tying and Disbudding It must not be overlooked that the young growths are very brittle, and if not carefully håndled, when tying them