106 CORDON TRAINING. 



tilation should come from the top ; but in autumn and win- 

 ter an abundant circulation of air will be necessary, to keep 

 the house at a low and even temperature. The houses should 

 be constructed as liglit as possible, consistent with proper 

 strength ; and whether the rafters be fixed and the glass 

 glazed upon them, or the house is fitted with movable saslies, 

 is immaterial, provided always, that the ventilation is ample. 

 A house on Mr. Rivers's princij)le, without top ventilation, 

 would certainly be unsuited to our climate, where the hot 

 sun soon raises the temperature to an injurious degree, 

 without air. We, however, much prefer sashes ; because 

 they can be readily taken entirely off in summer, and the 

 trees allowed to have the benefit of our bright sun and clear 

 air just where they are grown, if there is no other convenient 

 space to remove them to, such exposure being absolutely 

 necessary to obtain rich and delicious-flavored fruit. 



Next to ventilation, drainage should be considered ; a dry 

 warrp situation is always to be preferred, but if from any 

 cause there is reason to apprehend too much moisture, then 

 underground drains sliould conduct all tlie water to a good 

 outlet. Neither trees nor plants should stand in a cold, 

 damp soil, and as this can always be prevented, drainage 

 should be attended to in the construction of the house. 



A supply of pure rain water should be secured if possible, 

 as it is far preferable to spring or well water ; if good gutters 

 are constructed, and the water conducted into a large tank or 

 cistern, it will not only prevent tlie water from saturating and 

 cooling the soil in and around the house, but give an abun- 

 dant supply of water at all times. A manure tank will also 

 prove highly beneficial in the growth of fine fruit ; for, 

 although temporary means may be adopted to furnish a small 

 supply, where there are many trees a large and commodious 

 tank will prove a valuable accessory to the orchard-house. 



An enthusiastic and industrious cultivator will not, perhaps, 

 need to be reminded of all these hints ; but will achieve suc- 

 cess without the aid of so many directions. The mass of 

 those, however, who may attempt orchard-house culture, will 



