I saw this fine old veteran about the end of November, and as some particulars about it may be interesting to your readers, I may say a few words about it. The Vine is a Muscat of Alexandria, though I believe it is called a Tokay. It is nearly 100 years of age, and is still in excellent health and bearing condition; and it is a noteworthy fact that Mr Fowler cuts Grapes from it every year till late in spring. Indeed, it is the late vinery at Harewood. When I saw it at the above date, the Grapes were just beginning to be cut, and there were then hanging on the Vine about 450 bunches, equal perhaps to about 400 lb. weight - all clean and highly finished, and like amber in colour. The house, which has been once added to, is 70 feet long, about 20 feet wide, and very lofty. The Vine enters at the front near the centre of the house, diverges right and left, and the bearing-rods - or rather bundles of rods - are taken up the roof about 2 feet apart. About a dozen years ago or rather more, Mr Fowler undertook the responsibility of lifting this aged giant, as it did not bear satisfactorily and the fruit did not keep.

The operation was completely successful, and since then the crops have been uniformly excellent, and the fruit keeps till March. Last month I had something to say about the temperature of forcing-houses, and I may just note here that Mr Fowler treats this Vine to a considerably lower temperature than is considered necessary for Muscats. If I recollect aright, there are only 4 rows of 6-inch pipes in this large house, and they are anything but well placed for giving off heat; and Mr Fowler assured me that he did all in his power to keep the crop back by ventilation and otherwise, and a low night temperature. In proof of this I may state that no leaves had fallen off the Vine at the end of November; but they were just beginning to fade into that natural yellow colour which indicates that there has been no hurrying. On the whole, it was the finest show of Muscats I have seen this year, and well worth a long journey to see. J. S.