48 



the absorbing powers of the plant become less active 

 when the roots are exposed to a low temperature. 

 (Gard. Chron. 1845, 52.) 



Mr. J. Roberts, gardener at Rabey Castle, is en- 

 tirely of the same opinion. He says, when the fer- 

 menting material is applied a week or two previously 

 to the starting of the vines (which it ought to be, to put 

 the roots in motion), the border is surcharged with 

 moisture, which will be sufficient during the forcing 

 season. When the fruit has changed colour, remove 

 the fermenting material by degrees ; but should the 

 season prove dry or hot, leave an inch or two of leaf- 

 mould or rotten dung, to prevent too excessive eva- 

 poration. By the heat of July, August, and Septem- 

 ber, the roots, having been stimulated to give a gener- 

 ous support to the top in time of need, as well as 

 induced to keep near the surface, will, by the powerful 

 influence of the sun and dews during those three 

 months, have become perfectly ripened.^; (Ibid. 

 1846, 613.) 



Mr. G. Fleming, gardener at Trentham Hall, says 

 that when the heat has once reached 80 degs., it con- 

 tinues so without any material deviation, by merely 

 keeping a covering of strawy litter, in which the heat 

 never exceeds 70 or 75 degs. once a fortnight, 

 when it is to be turned and a little fresh litter added, 

 which causes it to heat briskly for a short time. 

 (Ibid. 1845, 115.) 



