FEB.] THE FRUIT-GRADEN. 131 



Rasfiberries. 



Raspberries may be pruned towards the latter end of this month, 

 especially, if the weather be tolerably mild ; in doing of which, observe 

 to clear away all the old decayed stems which bore fruit last sea- 

 son, and to leave three, four, or five of the strongest of last year's 

 shoots standing on each root, to bear next summer: all above 

 that number, on every root, must be cut off close to the surface of 

 the ground, and 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 third or 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 theweight of heavy rains, or violent winds. 



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

 dig the grour.d between the plants, observing, as you dig, to clear 

 away all straggling growths in the intervals, leaving none but such 

 as belong 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 cultivation.... For the method of making these plantations, 

 see the Fruit -gar den in March and October. 



The Antwerp raspberries, which had on the approach of winter 

 been laid down and covered with litter, Sec. on account of their be- 

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

 disturbed, 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 26 and 98, which see. 



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

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

 advised. 



Be careful to admit plenty of air to the plants, at every favourable 

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

 intervals give gentle waterings to the earth in the pots round 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. 



