352 FjOrcing garben. 



The pruning and training of peacli-trees in the peach- 

 house does not differ materially from the practice out of 

 doors. The sashes having been removed in the autumn 

 are replaced about New Year's Day. Fire-heat is 

 6ommonly applied about the beginning or middle of 

 February; but where there is a large suit of houses, 

 and an extended succession- is wanted, forcing, as it then 

 truly becomes, may l3egin a month sooner. At first 

 the temperature is kept about 46°, but it is afterwards 

 gradually increased to 50° or 55° Fahrenheit. While 

 the trees are in flower, and till the fruit be set, the 

 house is occasionally steamed, either by sprinkling water 

 on the warm flues, or by admitting the vapor from the 

 pipes, where steam is employed for heating. After this 

 period the foliage is washed, from time to time, with 

 the garden engine. ' When the fruit: is stoned, or the 

 kernels have been formed, the temperature is raised to 

 about 60°. Water is now copiously^ supplied to the 

 border: the fruit is thinned' out*; the various opera''- 

 tions of disbudding and tying are performed, and air is 

 admitted in abundance. * After the end of April, little 

 fire-heat is reo[uired for the peach-house. The trees 

 often suffer from' mildew." From this 'malady an ap- 

 plication oT soap-lather is one of 'the 'most effectual 

 remedies; the best preventives consist in keeping the 

 borders x)f the peach-liou^e Mear, and in' good condition 

 as to fresli soil, and in taking care that nothing be per- 

 mitted to obstruct' tlie free cifculation of air and. full 

 a-dmission of sun. If aphides infesLt t/he^ house, a fumi- 

 gation with tobacco should l>e resorted to. 



It may here be remarked that by curious' cultivators 

 several uncommon kinds of exotie fruiti? arc occa-sion- 



