ORCHARD HOUSES FRUITS FOR, AND PROCEDURE. 251 



peach may be removed to a warm situation outdoors as the trees are cleared of their 

 crops, and the wood becomes sufficiently firm. By this procedure room will be provided 

 for any plums or other fruits which it may be desirable to return to the house for 

 perfecting and preservation in unfavourable weather. A great variety of fruits may, 

 therefore, be successfully grown in one house, by good judgment and attention. After 

 the blossoming is over, and the fruit set, the trees must have light and air right down 

 to their base by standing them sufficiently distant from each other. 



Other fruits may be grown in the orchard house. Wilson Junior blackberry grown 

 in pots and placed in the house after its fruits are set outdoors ripens fruit of large size, 

 which is delicious with cream. The bushes may be placed outdoors after the fruit is 

 gathered. Lady apple, a small-fruited and highly-coloured variety, is very prolific and 

 ornamental ; it is esteemed for dessert, and may be used as a table plant on the French 

 paradise stock, either as a pyramid or low standard. Crab apples, such as the Dart- 

 mouth, John Downie, Siberian, and Tradescant, produce attractive blossoms and fruits in 

 profusion, which are highly ornamental, and make a delicious preserve. All kinds of 

 bush fruits succeed admirably in pots, as also do medlars and quinces, while straw- 

 berries of the first size and quality may be grown on shelves or stood on the border 

 where they receive abundance of light, introducing them to the house in March and 

 clearing them out directly the fruit is taken from them. 



All the fruits named have been grown in orchard houses near towns, and have been 

 of such appearance and quality as to secure premier awards at exhibitions. Some 

 business men find relaxation in cultivating fruit trees in pots, and derive considerable 

 advantage from the pursuit. With no more ground in a sunny position than suffices for 

 the erection of an orchard house, and a corresponding space left outside whereon to stand 

 plants, persons may secure a supply of fruit of their own growing, and a display of 

 chrysanthemums in the autumn from one house. The fruit trees in this case being placed 

 in the house at the end of February, or when the buds commence swelling, and remain 

 until October, when they may be placed outdoors, except such as are specified to be 

 kept inside, and with the pots protected they will be perfectly safe for the winter, 

 especially if a wire cage is provided to exclude birds. The chrysanthemums grown 

 outdoors during the summer will take the place of the fruit trees in October, and afford 

 a display of bloom of great interest until Christmas. 



The arrangement for using the orchard house for chrysanthemums as well as fruit trees 

 necessitates provision for artificial heat. This is not really necessary for fruit trees in 



K. K 2 



