MARCH VILLA (iAKDENING 527 



the tliermometer may run up to 80° or 85°, with the atmosphere 

 of the house well charged with moisture. 



Peaches. — Disbud the young growth, and if the fruits are set 

 very thickly remove some of them from the under side of the 

 branches. This will lighten the trees, and leave all the crop on 

 the upper side to select from. Syringe morning and evening. Do 

 not let the temperature exceed 50° by fire-heat yet at night. Be 

 carefid to use only soft water, of the same temperature as the 

 house, to syringe with. Close early in the afternoon. 



Pines. — Towards the end of the month select a time when the 

 weather is calm and mild, and overhaul the whole stock, repotting 

 all that need more pot room ; or if any have got into a bad con- 

 dition during winter, shake them out and shorten the plant by 

 cutting off a piece off the bottom, strip off" some of the old leaves, 

 and repot in smaller pots firmly. The suckers should be taken 

 from the old stools, from which the fniits have recently been cut, 

 and started in small pots. Top-dress plants showing fruit, or 

 which are expected to show shortly. Shift the strong successions 

 into the fruiting size. The bottom-heat should be partially or 

 wholly renewed according to circumstances. Use the syringe daily, 

 and close early on fine afternoons. With the lengthening days 

 will come a greater demand for water, and a thin shade to break 

 the rays of the sun. 



Figs. — Pinch the young wood back to the fifth leaf If the 

 shoots seem thick, remove the weakest, as there must be plenty of 

 space. Give liquid manure freely, and syringe daily. Keep the 

 night temperature from 60° to 65 \ 



Melons. — Plant out in pits and frames, and raise fresh plants 

 for successional crops. Peg out the shoots as they grow, stopping 

 the leaders as they near the sides of the frame. Use strong loam 

 to plant in, and press it down firmly. Ventilate early in the 

 morning to create a robust habit. 



Bananas. — This is a good season to take suckers for growing 

 on. They require a lofty house, and a night temperature of 65° 

 to 70° to do them Avell. Plant in boxes of rich soil, or in beds 

 or large pots, as is most convenient. 



Straavberries. — Bring on strong plants from the cold pit 

 in succession. Give more air, but still use the camel-hair pencil 

 to make siu-e of a good set. Thin the blossoms, and tie uj) the 

 fruits to keep them above the foliage. Use liquid manure freely. 



Forcing Vegetables. — Less forcing will be needed now that 

 the days are longer and the sun more powerful, but we cannot do 

 without the glass, though successional hotbeds may be made slighter 

 and of less active materials. Potatoes, Cauliflowers, French Beans, 



