40 THE STEAWBEEEY CULTUEIST. 



to grow without check until the approach of cold 

 weather. 



Plants wanted for an early crop may be brought into 

 the house in November, as it will take from ten to twelve 

 weeks from the time they are placed in the house before 

 ripe fruit can be obtained. The pots may be plunged 

 in tan or some similar material in the forcing house or 

 merely placed on the benches or shelves, but more care 

 is required in giving water, if the pots are exposed, than 

 when plunged in tan or soil. 



If a succession of crops is desired, then only a por- 

 tion of the plants should be brought in at one time. 



The temperature of the house should be only moder- 

 ate at first, but increased gradually as the plants com- 

 mence to grow and the fruit stems appear, when it 

 should range from 65 to 75 degrees during the day and 

 about ten degrees lower at night. 



The plants will be benefited if syringed or watered 

 overhead once or twice a week until they come into 

 bloom ; then omit it until the fruit is set, after which 

 it may be continued as before. While the plants are in 

 bloom, admit as much air as possible without lowering the 

 temperature to a dangerous degree, and, as there will be 

 neither wind or insects to scatter the pollen, it is usually 

 necessary to scatter it artificially. This can be done very 

 rapidly with an ordinary camel's hair brush or pencil, 

 lightly touching the stamens and pistils as each flower 

 becomes fully expanded. This is not necessary with 

 every variety, but a larger and more uniform crop will 

 usually be secured if practised on those fruiting most 

 freely in the house. 



The plants that are kept for forcing later in the sea- 

 son should be stored in a cold frame or pit, where they 

 will remain in a dormant state until ready for use. 



