890 THE FORCING GARDEN. [[mAY. 



future welfare of the plants is a matter of import- 

 ance. 



THE PEACH-HOUSE. 



After the fruit are fairly stoned, that is, the shell 

 hard, and kernel formed, there need be little fear of 

 their dropping off, provided the trees be in a healthy 

 state. The temperature of the house may therefore 

 be raised to 60° by fire-heat, at the times of regu- 

 lation ; which will, by a still regular, and more 

 free admission of air, promote and further the sv/ell- 

 ing of the fruit. I have spoken fully of thinning it 

 last month, although, perhaps, from the state of the 

 pkmts, it may only now be time for final tliinning. 



Continue to give large portions of water to the 

 border, and to exercise the engine on the foliage ; 

 in order the better to swell off the fruit, and to keep 

 the plants free of insects. 



Towards the end of the month, let the trees be 

 gone over, and be pruned of all useless spray, as 

 water-shoots, laterals, Sec. At the same time lay- 

 ing in the proper shoots closely, that the fruit, to- 

 wards its ripening off, may be fully exposed to the 

 sun and air. 



From this time, fire-heat may not be requisite ; 

 but the state of the weather must determine that 

 matter. In very cold, or in damp weather, a little 

 fire may still be necessary, to keep the thermometer 

 at aboiit ()0" in the niccht. 



