DUTCH APRICOT FORCING. 253 



means of destroying these insects. The red spider did not show 

 itself at all. 



Towards the 8th of Marcli the stoppage of growth in the shoots, 

 as well as the fruit, indicated the period of forming the stones ; 

 the temperature was lowered, in order to give the stone the 

 necessary rest to come to perfection. Too much forcing at this 

 period is very prejudicial. With too much heat the fruit does not 

 know whether to form stone or flesh, it is placed in a position 

 which compels it to produce both at once, the consequence of 

 which is a small dry fruit. 



During this period of rest in the growth of the fruit, the 

 superfluous wood was removed, and the longest shoots stopped, 

 but with much caution, in order not to disturb the forcing of the 

 tree. Whilst the stones are forming the fruits require much 

 nourishment, which must be copiously supplied to them. Shade 

 and air must not be neglected, and the latter must more especially 

 be attended to ; and if it be given early in the morning, not many 

 insects will show themselves. On the 1st of April another 

 watering was given, an examination of the soil having proved it to 

 be indispensable. After the formation of the stones a watering is 

 very necessary, before that period it is injurious, as causing readily 

 the fall of the fruit. No fruits were thinned out, the object of the 

 experiment being to ascertain what quantity the tree, under this 

 treatment, could be made to bring to perfection. 



At the end of the fourth week, the stones being fully formed, 

 the temperature was again raised and maintained till the maturity 

 of the fruit. On sunny days, after the pit had been sprinkled 

 with water (at about half after 3 p.m.), the lights were closed, 

 thus producing a warm damp close atmosphere, which contributed 

 much to the ample swelling of the fruits. 



At the period of colouring of the fruit the pit was kept dry, so 

 also no moisture was admitted during the ripening ; neither was 

 it any longer shaded, but as much air was given as the outer 

 temperature allowed of, this contributing essentially to the flavour 

 of the fruit as well as to a natural and good colouring. The 

 luxuriance and healthiness of the foliage gave good promise of 

 highly flavoured fruit. Its maintenance is important, as without 

 good foliage there never can be well-flavoured fruit. 



As soon as the fruit was all gathered, the lights were, on a 

 dull day, sll taken from the pit, and the tree completely exposed 

 to the action of the open air. Next winter I purpose again to 

 force it, commencing from the 1st of December. The wood is 



