242 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



clean, and if the roots appear rather bare, firmly top- 

 dress them with a little fine loam and well-decayed 

 cow-manure in equal parts. If, as has been already 

 recommended, a light pit with a bed of warm leaves is 

 at command, plunge the pots in it, so that they may 

 get a slight degree of bottom-heat. Keep the night 

 temperature ranging from 50 to 55, according as the 

 weather is cold or mild ; with sun-heat, 8 or 10 more 

 may be allowed. A close stagnant atmosphere is most 

 antagonistic to the strawberry, consequently give more 

 or less air every day, leaving a very little on all night 

 when mild. Being plunged in moist leaves, watering 

 will not be often required, but it must be attended to 

 before the plants get too dry, so as just to keep the 

 soil moist without being wet. As soon as ever the 

 blooms can be discerned in the centres of the crowns, 

 increase the heat a few degrees, but do not exceed 60 

 in mild weather. When the trusses are distinctly 

 projected, remove the plants to a shelf near the glass 

 in any structure where the night temperature ranges 

 60, with 10 more by day. Avoid putting them 

 where they will be subject to currents of cold air, or 

 where, on the other hand, the atmosphere is close and 

 very moist, such as a plant-stove. A peach-house or 

 vinery is the best place, in the absence of a straw- 

 berry-house. 



SETTING AND THINNING THE FRUIT, ETC. 



When they begin to open their blooms, be careful not 

 to be lavish with fire-heat should the weather be cold 

 and harsh. Under such circumstances rather let the 

 night temperature recede to 55; and to prevent damp 

 counteracting the process of fertilisation, leave a little 



