86 On the Construction of Brick Pits, 



and hinted that some extraordinary pains had been taken 

 with them ; the soil showed for itself, and pure Avater alone 

 had been made use of ; but so certain Avas our friend that 

 they had received stronger food, that, although we most pos- 

 itively averred such was not the fact, we could not convince 

 him to the contrary, and he left us firm in his own suspi- 

 cions. 



The plants were all topped at the first joint, at this time ; 

 this is an operation upon which there is a variety of opin- 

 ions ; some stating that it injures the vines, without attain- 

 ing the end in view ; others that they are benefited in a 

 great degree ; some, that it is a matter of little consequence, 

 neither forwarding nor retarding the forcing ; and others, 

 that the period of producing fruit is materially shortened. 

 The object of the operation is to keep the plants from run- 

 ning too much to vines, — thus filling the bed without produc- 

 ing fruit, — and to render them at once fruitful, by forcing 

 them to throw out, first, blossoms, and afterwards runners. 

 We have tried both methods, as well as the experiment of 

 pinching oif some plants at the first, some at the second, and 

 some at the third joint : as regards the three latter modes, 

 there is but a slight difterence ; indeed, at the first or second 

 joint, none ; but to let the plants grow without stopping them 

 at all, we have found a very bad practice, and one which 

 we cannot too strongly guard the young practitioner against 

 pursuing. We would here suggest to those, who would 

 wish to satisfy themselves fully upon this subject, the pro- 

 priety of instituting a series of experiments, Avhich may be 

 thus performed :— Let four hills of plants be taken ; pinch off 

 the plants in one hill, at the first joint ; in the second, at the 

 second joint ; the third at the third joint ; and in the fourth, 

 let the planls take their own course : when they come into 

 blossom, let the time be noted down, as, also, when they 

 come into fruit ; this Avill give a correct and satisfactory view 

 of the practice. It is from such observation that we are 

 enabled to state actual results. There has been so much 

 written upon this seemingly trifling subject, and so much doubt 

 still exists, with many gardeners, that Ave have been thus 

 particular in our remarks. Temperature, 68", 72°, 6S° ; of 

 the soil, 78°. 



5th. The Aveather becoming more mild, the bed retains 

 the heat ; the plants are daily sprinkled with Avater Avarmed 

 to the temperature of the bed, and the sashes shut doAvn 

 early in the afternoon, in order to cause the steam to rise, 

 as this greatly refreshes the plants. There is no better sign 

 that they are in a flourishing state, than Avhen, on opening 

 the sashes in the morning, small drops of Avater stand on the 

 edges of the leaves ; Avhen this is not perceived, the air is 



