538 VILLA GARDENING part vii 



FoEciNG-PiT. — Gesiierias, Gloxinias, Begonias, Justicias, etc., 

 should be kept moving on, with plenty of moistiire. The Ges- 

 nerias and Gloxinias must have shade. Cyclamens raised in spring 

 must be grown on quietly to flower in winter. This is a good 

 time to sow seeds. 



Vinery. — Vines ripening their fruit must have a free circula- 

 tion of air. Borders should be mulched to check evaporation. It 

 is better not to have plants in the houses from this till the fruit is 

 cut if it can be avoided. Keep the lateral growth pinched on late 

 vines. Fimiigate with Tobacco if there are any thrips on the 

 leaves. 



Pines. — Plants in flower must not be sjoinged, nor yet those 

 bearing ripening fruit. All others to be syringed freely morning and 

 evening, closing not later than 3.30. Water twice a week, if the 

 plants require it. Shade when the weather is bright. Keep a 

 steady bottom-heat of 75° to 80°. Top-heat, 65° to 70°. 



Peaches. — Water the borders of late houses, gaving liquid 

 manure ; but as soon as the fruit begins to ripen discontinue 

 watering. The ventilation must be as free as possible. In bright 

 warm days the lights will be better off" altogether. Keep down 

 all laterals. Trees from which the fruit has been gathered should 

 have a good washing with the engine, and if the weather is dull 

 and damp a little fire to ripen the growth will not come amiss. 



Figs. — The second crop will be ripening freely now. Use a 

 little fire to prevent damp, and ventilate freely. Keep the young 

 shoots thin to secure perfect maturity. 



Melons. — Do everything possible to keep out red -spider. 

 Syringe on bright days at closing time; also in the morning it 'vvdll 

 have some value. SuliAur painted on the frames inside, and tin 

 bottles filled full of hot water and covered with sulphur, is a good 

 preventive, and should be placed in the frame where the sun can 

 reach it. 



Cucumbers. — Sow seeds for winter supply ; Telegraph is a 

 good variety. Plant the seeds singly in small pots in a close pit. 

 Cuttings may be taken also. Top-dress old plants in pits and 

 frames to keep them in bearing condition as long as possible. 



Tomatoes. — Put in cuttings for winter planting. The Cri- 

 terion is a good winter kind. Carter's Dedham Favourite is also 

 a good variety. 



