96 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS 



along the sides, instead of down tlie center. Have the house 25 feet wide and 

 as long as is necessary. This will allow one tree for each trellis and a spread 

 of 17 or 18 feet for the development of the tree, which is none too much. As 

 regards the space between each trellis, six feet apart would be all right. 

 Being trained crosswise, the trees are easy to handle, and there will be no excuse 

 for red spider, as they can be sprayed on both sides. And above all, this arrange- 

 ment will give the house a more handsome appearance than if the trees are 

 trained up the roof If it is not convenient to have a span roof house — which 

 is the best for the purpose — excellent Peaches may be grown in a leanto or a 

 three-quarter span, provided such a house be situated in a proper location. 

 Such a house should face south, or approximately so, in order to get the benefit 

 of all the sunlight. Greenhouse builders have now so thoroughly mastered 

 this subject that they are figuring out every detail to the best advantage, in 

 regard to location, sunlight heat, etc., and the private grower can safely rely 

 on their judgment. 



BORDERS AND THEIR CONSTRUCTION. 



Peaches may thri\e and bear heavy crops in different soils — either a sandy 

 soil or medium loam; but they do not look happy when planted in heavy clay 

 soil, for they have then to struggle for existence, and the growth is slow. We 

 find the same condition with Peaches growing in the open. I do not know 

 any fruit more sensitive to poor drainage than the Peach and Nectarine. Al- 

 though they require an abundance of water at the roots in their growing season, 

 especially when in full growth, the drainage must be in condition to carry off 

 all the surplus water. 



As to the border, excellent trees may be grown in seemingly very small, 

 shallow borders, or equally well with considerably more soil. I remember 

 seeing, many years ago, some fine Peach trees growing at the back wall of a 

 leanto house in a border about three feet wide and two and one half feet deep; 

 they were remarkably healthy and carried fine crops every year. Trees in such 

 a confined border need close attention as to watering and feeding when de- 

 veloping their crops. This shows that Peaches may be produced in a com- 

 paratively small border if the circumstances demand it. It is not so much a 

 question as to the size of the border, for a tree may be grown in a tub 16 inches 

 square, and yield 50 to 75 well developed fruits, with systematic feeding and 

 close attention to all details. 



One of the secrets of success lies in the construction of the border, or perfect 

 drainage. Without free drainage the soil will get sour within a year, and 

 decayed roots and unhealthy trees result. Under these conditions we miss 

 that rich flavor so desirable in perfect fruit. With good drainage it does not 

 matter whether the border is wide or narrow, for the soil will then keep in a 

 sweet, healthy condition for years. There is no need of going to the expense 

 of artificial drainage if the natural drainage is perfect. Natural drainage is, 

 in fact, the best; if there is the least doubt about it, however, do not take any 

 chances, but put in drains. Follow the same plan as described for the Grape 

 border. Of course, it means an initial expense to put in perfect drainage, but 



