-•N THE CfllCRE OF THE ACUICriA. 267 



would do them a grout de.il of injury ; remove the mats early every 

 momiag, and raise the lights, to admit a small portion of air ; 

 should die weather prove fine, push the light; completely off. 

 Towards the latter end of March, the trusses will begin to rise, 

 when those buds that are small, and the over-ciWed ones, should 

 be thinned out, leaving from live to ten pips upon each stem. The 

 period from die opening of the pips to full bloom 1 consider the 

 most critical— that is, from the end of March to the end of April ; 

 during which time the lights must be kept over the plants night 

 and day, raising them a little behind to admit air. Should "the 

 sun shine hot, as it frequently does towards the end of April, it is 

 advisable to throw a thin mat over the lights about ten o'clock, 

 and remove it again about four. Be careful to supply them regu- 

 larly with water ; for should they at any time be allowed to flag, 

 it will give them a seriou When the pips begin to expand, 



thev sh'oul'd be removed to an eastern aspect, and covered with 

 hand-glasses ; under a low fence or ridge is the mo>t suitable place, 

 where thev can receive about two hours of the morning sun. The 

 •■lasses must be raided a few inches to admit air, but they should 

 >hut down close at night, and covered with a stout mat or two. 

 en the pips are all expanded, the plants may be removed to 

 the stage, which should face the north : as to the construction, 

 •Towers differ greatly, but I think the most simple method is 



Tig. 1. 



re represented (jig. \.) 



The light-. A being taken off 



forms a verv crood summer 



situation. Curtains should 



be hung on, as shewn at B, 



to let down in case of frost 



or dri\ ing rain. Small rings 



should be fastened on tie 



. of the curtains, to i nails or hooks placed in the 



lou f, and thereby prei ir being v and fro, and 



niiig in contact with the plants. When placed upon the stage, 



• >.:ib 11 to supply tie vita water, when their 



colours will more brilliant, and, with their beautiful tints 



lour, amply repay the careful floi soon as the 



pips begin to^fade, remove them from the stage (for they frequently 



receive „• at injury from being kept under cover too long), and 



