334 



FORCING GARDEN. 

 Fig. 39. 



the front wall, they are not exposed to have their roots 

 stunted in passing under the flues, and through the inte- 

 rior soil of the house, which, in spite of every assiduity in 

 watering and manuring, is apt to become hard and impo- 

 verished. Further, it has been estimated that, as far as 

 roof and glass are concerned, four or even five such houses 

 may be erected at the same expense as three of the com- 

 mon form. 



In Holland, peaches are forced in pits resembling the 

 common hotbed or melon-pit of this country. The trees 

 are trained on a trellis-work near the glass, and the air is 

 heated by the fermentation of stable-dung linings. The 

 method has been partially adopted in this country, with, 

 however, the use of hot water. When garden architects 

 shall cease to be anxious about making all forcing- houses 

 ornamental structures, this will probably be the general 

 form in which early and tender peaches will be cultivated. 



The pruning and training of peach trees in the peach- 

 house does not differ materially from the practice out of 

 doors. The sashes having been removed in the autumn 

 are replaced about New Year's day. Fire-heat is com- 

 monly applied about the beginning or middle of February ; 

 but where there is a large suit of houses, and an extended 



