,28 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS 



time that the trees are started until tiie fruit is fully developed; particluarlj- 

 so when the trees are shapely. An orchardhouse in full bloom is a lovely sight, 

 but to see those little trees later on loaded down with their perfectly developed 

 fruit calls forth exclamations of wonder and delight. The quantity of fruit 

 that can be grown in a moderate-sized house is truly surprising. 



There are still other advantages of tub fruit. Many a house stands idle 

 during the Summer months that could be used to good advantage by placing 

 some of these trees in them, for they will grow well in any light house where 

 they get the full sunlight; and where a house is set aside for tub trees, it may 

 be used for other purposes for four months of the year at least, that is, with 

 due precaution as to the class of material grown therein. Do not use it as a 

 planthouse, for it may become infested with mealy bug, which is not a desirable 

 guest to have in a fruithouse. The orchardhouse, moreover, gives results the 

 first season, if pot grown trees are secured, as should be done. Taking every- 

 thing into consideration, therefore, pot grown fruits have many advantages in 

 their favor. Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Figs, Pears, Plums, Peaches and Nectar- 

 ines, all adapt themselves to the orchardhouse treatment. But a good-sized 

 house is necessary to grow all these kinds with a fair complement of each. 



I presume that most of this class of fruit is grown in private establishments, 

 and generally with one house set aside for that purpose. All the fruit men- 

 tioned above will thrive together, with the possible exception of Cherries. My 

 experience with Cherries in a mixed house has been anything but encouraging, 

 for they have a tendency to drop their fruit before stoning. I shall have more 

 to say later as to the best kinds to be grown under glass in tubs or pots. 



As regards the arrangement, it is preferable to keep each kind together as 

 much as possible, since they will not all bloom at the same time. Pears, Plums 

 and Apples, when in bloom, need a dry, bracing atmosphere, or it will be diffi- 

 cult to dry up the pollen. If we ha\e a good, bright sun during this period, 

 there is little cause for worry, as then the pollen will distribute itself freely and 

 a good set will be almost assured. But if we are unfortunate enough to get a 

 damp, cloudy spell at this time, it is best to keep on some air, with more fire heat 

 if necessary. Pears and Plums will absolutely refuse to set in a close, humid 

 atmosphere. 



In ordering trees for the orchardhouse, it is best to decide beforehand 

 what style of tree is to be preferred, whether bush, half standard or pyramid. 

 Half standards are excellent for Peaches and Nectarines; but taking all things 

 into consideration, I decidedly prefer to have most of the trees in pyramid form. 

 Trees in this shape certainly give a house a more finished appearance. A pyramid 

 Pear or Plum tree in full flower is a handsome sight. There is no bare stem, but 

 a fully furnished tree from the tub up. 



It is important to note here that the best stock obtainable should be pro- 

 cured. Get good, thrifty, young trees. This class of trees, as it comes from 

 the nursery, requires about ii-inch or 12-inch pots for the first season. One 

 of the most serious blunders that we can commit is overpotting. Trees can be 

 kept in much better health by confining them to comparatively small tubs. 

 This holds particularly good after we have had the tree for some years. With 



