334 



FORCING CARDED 



Fig. 39. 



the front wall, they are not exposed to have their roots 

 stunted in passing under the flues, and through the inte 

 rior soil of the house, which, in spite of every assiduity in 

 watering and manuring, is apt to become hard and impo 

 verished. Further, it has been estimated that, as far as 

 roof arid glass are concerned, four or even five such houses 

 may be erected at the same expense as three of the com- 

 mon form. 



In Holland, peaches are forced in pits resembling the 

 common hotbed or melon-pit of this country. The trees 

 are trained on a trellis-work near the glass, and the air is 

 heated by the fermentation of stable-dung linings. The 

 method has been partially adopted in this country, with, 

 however, the use of hot water. When garden architects 

 shall cease to be anxious about making all forcing-houses 

 ornamental structures, this will probably be the general 

 form in which early and tender peaches will be cultivated. 



The pruning and training of peach trees in the peach- 

 house does not differ materially from the practice out of 

 doors. The sashes having been removed in the autumn 

 are replaced about New Year s day. Fire-heat is com 

 monly applied about the beginning or middle of February ; 

 but where there is a large suit of houses, and an extended 



