254 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



general maxims for ventilating a house of mixed fruits are : 1, during the winter 

 from the leaves falling to the buds commencing to swell ventilate fully day and night, 

 closing only in severe weather ; 2, from the blossoms being visible to the fruit setting, 

 allow a little air constantly between 40 and 45, then admit full ventilation at 50, 

 closing for the day at that temperature, subject to the condition just named, and close 

 the house entirely only in case of a prospect of frost and during its prevalence ; 3, from 

 the fruit setting and to the early part of June observe 50 as the point at which to open 

 and close the house, always subject to leaving a little air on constantly, except when 

 frost prevails, and modify the amount of ventilation to prevent the temperature falling 

 below 50 during the daytime ; 4, from the early part of June the ventilators may 

 remain wide open day and night till October, when it will be necessary to moderate the 

 ventilation for the benefit of late fruits, and prevent the sudden collapse of the foliage 

 in case of sudden and severe frost, otherwise ventilating freely in order to secure the 

 thorough ripening of the wood. 



Syringing. This must be practised from the time the fruits are safely set until they 

 commence ripening, each tree receiving attention, both early in the morning and in the after- 

 noon, except when the weather is cold and dull, for the trees must not be kept constantly 

 dripping with water. One good syringing does more to free the trees of insect pests 

 than many light dampings, therefore apply the water with force after the foliage becomes 

 able to bear it, but the leaves must not be damaged by applying the water too forcibly. 

 The water used should be of a similar temperature to that of the house. When it is not 

 possible to syringe the trees, the application of water about the house will maintain a 

 genial atmosphere, provided the floor be of earth and the pathway ashes or gravel, which 

 are not only more economical but far better than flagged or cemented floors, on account 

 of the constant evaporation of moisture and gases escaping from the soil charged with 

 liquid passed through the pots. After the fruits are gathered the trees must receive 

 proper attention in respect of syringing as before, but it suffices to keep them free from 

 insects and dust. 



In smoky and dusty localities the glass should be frequently washed, keeping it as 

 clear as possible during the growth of the trees, and some woollen netting, 4-inch mesh, 

 tacked tightly over the ventilating openings, will sift the air, and collect sooty and 

 dusty matter that would otherwise enter the house and settle on the trees. 



