118 THE GARDENER. [March 



hold of each pot, and move it backwards and forwards several times. 

 This will leave a space all round, which lets extra heat escape ; when 

 it cools down, press the tan close to the pots. 



In the first stages of Pine-growing, we think bottom-heat is not so 

 much wanted as is generally considered. If these young Pines were 

 treated to a high bottom-heat, with a corresponding top-temperature, in 

 which there would have to be a good amount of moisture, the plants:, 

 before ever they begin to throw out roots, would get long and weakly, 

 and the centre quite close and blanched like Celery. If it ranges about 

 70°, so much the better for the plants. Let the house be kept pretty close, 

 with gentle dewings night and morning on bright days, sprinkling the 

 paths frequently, if found requisite, with but slight shading only when 

 the sun continues bright for a length of time. The night temperature 

 of the atmosphere may range about 70° for the first fortnight, or until 

 the plants show signs of starting into growth ; and as the nights get 

 longer, range the heat a few degrees lower, letting the temperature rise 

 considerably in the day, when it can be done by sun-heat. If the house 

 is light, and the plants not too far from the glass, they will grow gently 

 all the winter ; and when the days begin to lengthen, then their advan- 

 tage over those that were taken at the same time and put into small 

 pots to be potted on in spring will be apparent. If all goes well, they 

 will be dwarf, stiff plants by the end of May, when they should be 

 rested for a month or six weeks, during which time give little or no 

 water — no more than will keep the plants from suffering ; and with a 

 moderate top and bottom heat they w^ill stiffen a good deal in this time. 

 When fruit is wanted by Christmas, increased heat should be applied 

 about the middle of June. JSTow is the time that the bottom-heat is 

 of most importance in getting all to start, and with a corresponding 

 top-heat, they should nearly all be showing fruit in six weeks. When- 

 ever they have fairly started to grow, we apply guano about every other 

 watering ; but after fruit shows, at every watering, until the fruit begins 

 to colour. Whenever I can adopt the above practice I do so, there 

 being less labour attending it, and there are several things in its favour. 

 I think the planting out system is a good one, only a whole house has 

 often to stand empty for a few plants to finish off. When in pots 

 they can be removed into a vinery or any other spare place, a] though a 

 little lower in temperature, when just beginning to change colour — they 

 will not take any hurt ; but not before their colouring has commenced. 

 If full space cannot be devoted to them when put into 11-inch pots at 

 first, and they are plunged pot to pot, not much more room will be 

 taken up than when they are put into 8-inch pots. 



A. Henderson. 

 Thoeesby Gardens. 



