70 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



My preference would be east and west, as one gets more benefit 

 from the sun during the short days. One thing should be borne 

 in mind, that is for best results build as light a house as jiossible 

 so that there will be no shade to speak of in the house. In regard to 

 heating, either steam or hot water is successful, although hot water 

 is to be preferred. 



There is quite a variety of vegetables that adapt themselves to 

 forcing. I shall divide them into two grades as it would be impossi- 

 ble to grow them in the same temperature. Take, for instance, 

 lettuce, cauliflower, and radishes. These may be grown success- 

 fully in the same house, while cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, etc. 

 require a warmer atmosphere. 



Vegetables are not particular as to soil. In fact, here is a difficult 

 problem in explaining the nature of soils, the amount of fertilizer 

 to give best results, etc. Experience has taught me that some 

 soils will take much more food than others. I claim there can be 

 no hard and fast lines laid down in regard to how much fertilizer 

 a certain crop should receive for the best results. My theory has 

 always been that each grower in different localities and with differ- 

 ent soils, by studying the condition of his growing crops is the best 

 judge as to how much food will be of benefit. I have no doubt 

 there are various opinions on this one important subject of feeding; 

 but the grower, who carves his own road, using his own good 

 judgment, will usually come out the most successful. We know 

 that to produce good crops potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen 

 are a necessity. These should be applied to the soil in some shape 

 or form. I am confident whoever has given this question study 

 and deep thought will stand by his own good judgment; self-taught 

 experience one never forgets. Pages could be written on this one 

 subject alone of feeding. However, my feeling is there can be 

 more solid information got through friendly discussions carried on 

 intelligently among the different societies than in any other way. 



The demand for lettuce is ever increasing, and without doubt 

 this is one of the main Avinter crops. Whether for private or for 

 commercial purposes monstrous houses have been built for the 

 lettuce industry within the past few years, which probably tAA'enty- 

 five years ago would have been thought madness. As I have 

 stated, vegetables are not particular as to soil; but a sandy or 



