FEB.] THE FRUIT GARDEN. 14t 



all straggling shoots between the main plants must also be taken 

 away. 



Each of the shoots which are left should be shortened, observing 

 to cut off about one-fourth of their original length. 



The shoots of each root when pruned, if considerably long and 

 straggling, may be tied two or three together ; for by that method 

 they support one another so as not to be borne down in summer by 

 the weight of heavy rains or violent winds. 



When you have finished pruning, or as soon after as possible, dig 

 the ground between the plants, observing as you dig to clear away 

 all straggling growths in the intervals, leaving none but such as be- 

 long to the shoots which are left to bear. 



New plantations of raspberries may be made about the latter end 

 of this month, where the severe winter frosts are over and the ground 

 in proper condition ; but where this is not the case, that work must 

 be deferred till next month or until the soil is in a fit state for culti- 

 vation. For the method of making these plantations, see the Fruit 

 Garden in March and October. 



The Antwerp raspberries, which had on the approach of winter 

 been laid down and covered with litter, &c., on account of their being 

 somewhat more tender than the common kinds, ought not to be dis- 

 turbed till the opening of good weather in March, unless their buds 

 begin to swell too freely. 



STRAWBERRIES. 



Continue to force early strawberries as directed last month in 

 pages 46 and 112, which see. 



Having two or three years old bearing plants in pots, as then 

 directed, plunge them into the hot-beds, and manage them as there 

 advised. 



Be careful to admit plenty of air to the plants at every favorable 

 opportunity, by setting up the glasses behind every mild day, and 

 at intervals give gentle waterings to the earth in the pots around 

 the plants, not pouring it over them, especially while they are in 

 flower. 



When you find the heat of the beds to be on the decline, renew it 

 by adding a lining of fresh horse-dung to the sides or ends, or to 

 both, as necessity may require ; and be very particular in covering 

 the glasses every night with mats or other covering. 



This is also a very successful time to place pots of strawberry 

 plants in the hot-house, or in any forcing-house; they will in these 

 places bear well, and in early perfection. 



FORCING EARLY FRUIT IN FORCING-HOUSES. 



The beginning of this month, if not done before, you may proceed 

 to forcing fruit-trees in hot-walls, peach-houses, cherry-houses, &c., 

 by aid of fire or other artificial heat; the proper sorts are peaches, 

 nectarines, apricots, cherries, figs, vines, plums, &c.; having young 

 trees for this purpose that are arrived to a bearing state, and planted 



