34 ON THE CULTURE 



out, and then close them down for about a 

 quarter of an hour or more, according to the 

 season of the year. At all times, before water- 

 ing-, admit double the usual quantity of air 

 about a quarter of an hour previous to the 

 application, for the purpose of hardening the 

 plants. 



Water may be applied at any time of the 

 day, if the heat is good, but the most preferable 

 time is certainly about eleven o'ctock in the 

 morning, particularly as the season advances 

 towards the months of April and May, and the 

 weather becomes more temperate, and the sun 

 has greater power. After they are watered, shut 

 them down for about ten minutes or a quarter 

 of an hour, and let them have the benefit of a 

 clear sun ; then shade them with a mat for two 

 or three hours, and shut the frame close down, 

 in order that a moist sweet steam heat may be 

 produced, which will cause the fruit to swell 

 very quick. At one or two o'clock take off the 

 mat and admit a little air. When the sun is 

 clear and the weather hot, let them be shaded 



