TftE PltfE APPLE. 61 



to renew the tan-bed, and, at the same time, the 

 plants should be divested of a few of their bottom 

 leaves ; the mould on the top of the pots should 

 be taken off as deep as can be done without injur- 

 ing the roots, and the pots filled up with fresh 

 compost-earth, which will add to the vigour of the 

 plants, as well as give a neatness to the whole when 

 finished. 



It is very injurious to the plants^ and greatly 

 retards the swelling of the fruit, to remove them 

 after this season ; therefore, in case the heat of the 

 bed should decline, a fresh heat may be got with- 

 out moving the plants, by taking out the tan be- 

 twixt the pots as deep as possible, and filling that 

 space up with fresh tan This method is prac- 

 tised by some even at an earlier season. 



The plants at this season will demand a kind, 

 lively bottom heat ; and whenever the weather will 

 permit, a great quantity of air should be admitted 

 into the hot- house, the want of a due proportion of 

 which would cause the stems of the fruit to draw 

 themselves weak, and grow tall ; after which the 

 fruit never swells kindly. 



As the fruit and suckers begin to advance in 

 size, the plants will require plenty of water to 

 support them, which may be given them at least 

 twice, and sometimes three times a week ; but too 

 much should not be given them at one time ; it is 

 better to give them less at a time, and oftener. 



Sticks should be provided to support the fruit 

 before it is grown too large ; and, in tying thqm a 



