60 THE BOOK OF THE PEACH. 



attained to. The higher the temperature maintained 

 in any forcing-house is, the more absolute necessity 

 there is to distribute sufficient water over the floor, 

 paths, and walls of the said house, in order to pro- 

 mote and maintain a genial atmospheric temperature 

 during the interval elapsing between the stoning of 

 the fruit and the stage when the latter begins to 

 colour the first indication of approaching maturity. 

 Otherwise red spider would probably effect a lodg- 

 ment on the foliage, to the detriment of the crop 

 and the trees also. 



Where ripe peaches and nectarines are required 

 by the end of April, or early in May, it will be 

 necessary to close the early house the first week 

 in December, and to syringe the trees with clean 

 tepid water morning, noon, and afternoon on bright 

 days. Twice a day is sufficient in dull weather 

 continuing the syringing until the trees come 

 into flower, when a somewhat drier and more airy 

 atmosphere should be observed until the fruit is 

 set. After this the syringing of the trees and the 

 house generally should be resumed and continued, 

 as already stated, up to the time the fruit begins 

 to colour, bearing in mind that the forcing of peach 

 trees during the dull winter and spring months is 

 carried on under difficulty as regards solar heat 

 and light as compared with trees " started " two 

 months later, and consequently they require syringing 



