1879.] MANAGEMENT OF FORCING-HOUSES. 301 



the other. We find work falling into arrears in the way of disbudding, 

 thinning, &c, to be a gross sacrifice and waste of the trees — resources 

 which should be otherwise directed. We also find, in the case of 

 tying, in shoots (and here our young readers should be attentive), that 

 where two or three are tied up together in a mass, to the exclusion of 

 air and light, the result is unripe wood, feeble growth, flowers with 

 badly-developed organs, and consequently defective fruits, which are 

 not up to the mark in size or quality. 



It should, perhaps, be observed here, that in the case of Peach 

 growth the shoots can be as readily arranged and the vigour con- 

 centrated into any given number of shoots, as in the case of the 

 Yine ; whilst the converse result may be produced by pinching, which 

 diverts the flow of sap into two or more channels, instead of one. 

 Aim at a moderate and regular degree of growth of a size that will 

 bear triplet buds, and let the foliage be of a dark, glossy green, and 

 leathery to the feel. 



In later houses which are being pushed forward or retarded 

 according to circumstances, examine the borders down to the drainage 

 by using a long narrow scoop, by which the condition of the soil may 

 be tested, and if the latter is anything like dry, water carefully on 

 two or three different occasions until the soil is thoroughly moistened. 

 This is a much better plan than that of submerging a border that has 

 been kept at the extreme of dryness for some time before. It enables 

 the roots to recruit themselves gradually, and to resume their active 

 condition of providing for the stems and leaves in a natural manner. 

 It is also the first remedy (as dryness is the first cause) for red- 

 spider, and is a more feasible plan of getting rid of the pest than by 

 dashing the young leaves to shreds with cold water from a garden 

 engine. 



With regard to forcing pits, where Melons, Cucumbers, Strawberries, 

 Leans, &c, are forced in quantity, the watering of the plants at the 

 root, and the atmospheric conditions that are maintained, will either 

 tend to promote good health and cleanliness, or it may have the con- 

 trary effect if the supply be not nicely gauged according to the re- 

 spective requirements of the plants, their locality, and stage of growth. 

 Melons will bear any amount of sun if they are grown hard and 

 stubby, and may be watered as freely as Cucumbers in bright weather. 

 The surface of the soil should also be mulched with cow or horse 

 manure to encourage surface roots, and to save watering, which re- 

 quires to be done more frequently when the soil is exposed to con- 

 stant evaporation. 



Cucumbers that are grown in houses through the summer, if the 

 plants are to be kept healthy, should have a moderate degree of shade, 



