THE FORCING-BOOK. 
CHAPTER* 1. 
INTRODUCTORY SUGGESTIONS. 
GENERAL REMARKS. 
THE growing of vegetables under glass for the winter 
market is one of the most special and difficult of all horti- 
cultural operations. It is a more uncertain and perplexing 
business than the growing of cut-flowers, because it is newer, 
less understood, there are comparatively few varieties of 
vegetables particularly adapted to winter forcing, and the 
markets are less extensive and more unstable. To succeed 
with forced vegetables requires great skill in the manage- 
ment of glass houses, close attention to every detail, and 
the complete control of all the conditions of plant growth. 
To these requirements must be added a thorough knowl- 
edge of the markets, and the ability to have the crop 
ready at any given time. 
No amount of reading or study can make one a success- 
ful grower of plants under glass. He must first of all pos- 
sess a love for the business, a determination to surmount 
all difficulties, and especially the ability and desire to give 
personal attention to all the details day by day. Having 
these requisites, reading and study will afford him most 
efficient aid by way of direction and suggestion. One who 
reads horticultural literature should bear in mind the fact 
that its value depends very much upon the reader. Instruc- 
