342 GARDEN MANAGEMENT. 



should proceed at the same time as the potting, so that the plants may at 

 once be removed back to their proper quarters. Keep the plants level during 

 the process of plunging the pots, and after two rows are plunged, cut the ties 

 and arrange the leaves of the back row ; plunge another row, then cut and 

 arrange the second row ; and so on throughout, A mild day must be chosen 

 for these operations, as five or six hours' check from cold will often throw a 

 whole pit of succession pines into premature fruit, — one of the greatest cala- 

 mities that can happen to the cultivator. 



963. Ficjs. — A dry close atmosphere often causes the embryo fruit to drop. 

 Dryness, or excessive moisture at the root, may produce the same results. When 

 the fig is in full growth, the latter evil is almost impossible ; but there appears 

 to be but little demand upon the roots for moisture until the leaves are fully 

 expanded, ^Maintain a temperature of 60°, and syringe the leaves daily. 



964. Orchard-House. — Unless this is heated, keep it constantly open when 

 the outside temperature is above 32°, Success here depends upon retarding 

 the trees as much as possible. If they start now, and we have a sharp frost 

 in April, the chances are you will lose the crops. If a pipe runs round 

 part or the whole of a house, it may now be allowed to move at a tempera- 

 ture of 40° to 45°, Place plums, apricots, and cherries in the coolest part, 

 nearest the ventilators. See that the trees in pots and borders are well watered 

 previous to starting, and give all the air possible to keep down the tempera-- 

 ture during frosty weather. 



965. Strawlerries. — Give plenty of air when in bloom, maintaining a drier 

 atmosphere during that process. After they are fairly set, they will bear a 

 temperature o^ 70° to swell off; but 60° to ripen, with abundance of air, is. 

 quite enough. On shelves, place each pot in a pan, or within a second pot 

 half-filled with rotten manure. Water with manure-water, syringe twice- 

 a day, and keep the plants clear of insects. 



§ 9.— Hotbed and Frame Cultivation. 



966. Cucumlers, in growing condition, require more air in the daytime as 

 the sun acquires more power ; healthy plants will bear the full light without 

 shading : if they droop under its influence while air is given freely, something 

 is wrong at the roots or collar, and fi-esh plants should be raised to supersede 

 them, provided they do not recover. Air should be admitted, in,proportion to 

 the weather, and as this varies every day, more or less ; — watchfulness and care 

 are necessary. Peg down the bines, and pinch off shoots that are not wanted, 

 and all shoots al»ve the fruit ; add fresh soil and fresh linings outside as 

 required. 



967. Melons should be syringed occasionally with water of a temperature 

 rather higher than that of the bed : all shoots not wanted pinch off, so that 

 the strength of the plant can go into the fruit. Fresh cucumbers and melons 

 should be started for successions. The heat of the dung now lasts longer, and 

 is not counteracted by severe fi'osts, and the sun begins to yield more heat ; . 



