50 CULTIVATION OF EXOTIC FRUITS. 



time they have died, and hopes of the desired plaut ever doing 

 well despaired of, till at length some well-established specimen 

 having been procured, the object aimed at was attained. 



In order to encourage the growth of a house of young trees, so 

 as to have luxuriant and fine-looking specimens, the temperature 

 may be extended a little beyond what will be required when the 

 plants come into a bearing state ; yet any additional fire-heat 

 beyond 64° must be applied with a sparing hand, as anything 

 approaching forcing will be injurious. 



Jn a house of this kind the temperature should never be below 

 50°, and, when rising in winter above 04°, if the external 

 atmosphere be not too cold, admit air. With abundance of 

 ventilation the summer temperature may range from 70° to 90°. 

 Orange-trees, I infer (from their prolificacy and fine growth in the 

 over-drained Island of St. Michael, where, sometimes in sum- 

 mer, rain does not fall for two and three months at a time), are 

 not plants that require much water, especially at the roots ; but 

 it must be remembered that from the nightly heavy dews, and 

 surrounding damp atmosphere, the trees are continually receiving 

 an abundant quantity of moisture through the medium of their 

 leaves. This then points out an important feature in the culti- 

 vation of exotic fruits. Heavy rains fall in St. Michael's from 

 October to March, but the ground is so full of cracks and crevices 

 that in a short time the water is drained off again, so that the 

 roots may be said to be always in a moderately dry state. It 

 must not, however, be inferred from the above statements, that I 

 would have the exotic house without water ; on the contrary, a 

 plentiful supply must be had, and copious showers given to the 

 plants with the engine, or, what would be better still, have the 

 water laid on the house, with taps and hose at short distances, 

 which would be a great saving of time and labour. From May to 

 September the trees should be engined early in the morning, and 

 in the evening ; avoiding throwing water on the plants in bloom ; 

 also admitting near such plants as much air as possible. 



The borders must not be often watered ; the best way will be 

 to examine them by digging in different parts, and when they are 

 found to want water, let it be well but gradually given, so that 

 every part may receive nearly an equal quantity. 



I need scarcely say that all kinds of fruit-trees require to be 

 carefully pruned. In pruning Orange-trees thin out all super- 

 fluous branches so as to admit light and air to the fruit. All the 

 pruning they require should be effected immediately the fruit is 

 gathered (which should be as soon as it is ripe, for the fruit 



