24 FRUIT A1?D KITCHEN GARDEN. 



evinced, by their growth and earlier maturity, that they 

 enjoy a somewhat superior temperature. 



For the preservation of the walls, a coping is neces- 

 sary ; and it seems a matter of indifference whether it 

 be formed of stones with a rounded surface, or of flat 

 pavement, or of tiles. Probably it should not project 

 more than an inch, though some contend for a larger 

 measure, on the ground of its preventing to some extent 

 the radiation of heat from the tree towards the sky in 

 clear nights, and thus favoring the deposition of dew. 

 Temporary copings of wood are often adopted, and are 

 found to answer every good purpose. They are put on in 

 spring to protect the tender blossom and embryo fruit 

 from the hoarfrost, and when danger is past^ are re- 

 moved to give free access to the genial showers and 

 sunshine of summer and autumn. 



Hot Walls. — A considerable proportion of the walls 

 of every good garden, especially in the north, should be 

 constructed with flues to supply the means of applying 

 artificial heat. The additional expense is trifling ; and, 

 in cold seasons and cold situations, the aid of this species 

 of wall is nearly indispensable for the regular ripening 

 of grapes, apricots, and figs, as exemplified at Erskine 

 House on the Clyde, where, with the assistance of a 

 little fire-heat, large and high-flavored black Hamburgh 

 grapes are produced, and where Mayduke cherries 

 have been ripened at least six weeks before the usual 

 period. The application of fire-heat for a few weeks in 

 spring will secure the setting of the fruit, and the same 

 operation continued for a short time in autumn will suf- 

 fice to ripen it, and also to prepare the young wood for 

 the next year. The flues may be about twenty inches 

 deep, and should make as many horizontal turns as the 



II. estate 



