APRICOTS UNDER GLASS. 7S 



When properly managed, lifted aiid root-pruned trees have proved as remarkable for 

 health and fruitfulness as they were conspicuous before for dying branches and sterility. 



AIDS TO MATURATION. 



Flucd Walls. In some elevated and exposed situations in the north apricots were 

 formerly grown successfully against walls artificially heated. They are rare nowadays, due, 

 perhaps, to the cheapness of glass, but where they exist, in addition to the blossoms 

 of the trees being protected by canvas, a moderate fire may be kept going when the 

 nights are severe, yet under no circumstances must the wall be kept more than 

 warm, as violent heating may prove disastrous. With due care heated walls answer 

 admirably for apricots, not only in preserving the blossoms from frost, but by causing 

 the earlier and better ripening of the fruit. A gentle fire, kept going night and day, 

 will cause the fruit to ripen as well upon the side next the wall as on the side exposed 

 to the sun. A partial shade of netting when the sun is powerful prevents premature 

 ripening on the exposed side. With a gentle warmth in the wall apricots ripen three 

 weeks in advance of those against ordinary walls, the fruit is finer, and the trees are 

 healthier. 



APRICOTS UNDER GLASS. 



Practically the apricot resents confinement, and revels in sun and air. Wall cases 

 with a south, south-east, or south-west aspect are necessary in the north and in 

 elevated and exposed situations; those with east and west aspects are suitable in 

 and south of the Midlands. Structures designated wall cases vary in construction 

 and dimensions. Some have upright front lights and short, narrow, sloping roofs, 

 the glass but a little distance from the trees, or sufficient to allow of cultural 

 operations. Other structures have short upright fronts of glass, long roof lights at a 

 sharp angle, short top lights much less inclining, and admit of a path inside. 

 The front and top lights are hinged, opening outwards ; the roof lights not available 

 for ventilation. Now, ventilation is vital in apricot culture under glass. A house or 

 wall case with an opening 11 inches wide in front, and a light opening here and there 

 at the top, is useless. The front lights must not be less than 2 feet 6 inches wide or deep, 

 and the top lights must have the same proportion, and both must open outwards by 

 crank and lever, or some other approved mechanism, half their breadth and the whole 

 length of the structure. 



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