PAET IV 



FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS 



CHAPTER I 



The Early Vinery. — For early vines a lean-to house is the 

 best. Years ago, when heavy timbers and small squares of glass 

 were employed in roof building, there was an advantage in having 

 the pitch of the roof calculated to benefit by every gleam of sun- 

 shine in the short dark days. Now this is a matter of less im- 

 portance, as the proportions between timber and glass are altogether 

 altered, and a roof constructed at what carpenters call " half-pitch," 

 or say an angle of 45°, will suit all kinds of forcing, provided the 

 aspect is south or south-east. Though sorely tempted, I refrain 

 from entering into any discussion about the different systems of 

 glazing, further than to say that whatever plan is adopted it must 

 ensure freedom from drip, as many pounds' worth of grapes are 

 destroyed every year from the water leaking through the roof and 

 dropping among the fruit inside. This may be partly due to 

 neglect in painting, etc., but much is owing to faulty construction. 

 Again, many people who pride themselves on keeping the outside 

 well-painted and in a good state of repair, altogether neglect the 

 inside work, which is of equal importance in keeping the roof dry 

 and sound. From an artistic point of view the new system of 

 constructing hothouses is a loss ; luit if, as I believe, it will lead 

 to greater economy and efficiency, the artistic, so far as the working- 

 houses arc concerned, must give way. The arrangements for 

 heating and ventilating should be as simple and perfect as it is 

 possible to make them ; and there is nothing gained by doing 

 things grudgingly, though of course it is possible to buy gold too 

 dear. In the matter of boiler and pipes it is better to have an 

 excess of power than a deficiency. Some time ago I was con- 



