CHAPTER XX. 



FEUIT TEEES UNDER GLASS. 



In many sections of the country the climate is not 

 adapted to the growing of such fruits as the peaeh, apri- 

 cot and nectarine in the open air, and although these 

 fruits can generally be obtained in the market in their 

 season, as a rule the varieties are not of the best quality 

 from the fact that the most desirable varieties, so far as 

 quality is concerned, are generally lacking in hardiness 

 and are consequently unproductive when grown in the 

 open air. On this account there seems to be a growing 

 interest in orchard houses and in the forcing of fruit 

 under glass. 



While a cheap lean-to house built against a wall 

 will give good results, the form best adapted to the pur- 

 pose is the even-span. If the expense can be afforded, 

 the curvilinear roof is desirable, as it gives more room 

 for the growth of the trees. While good results can be 

 obtained without fire heat, it will be necessary if the 

 fruit is to be forced, and may save a crop if the weather 

 is cold or wet at the time the trees are in blossom, or 

 while the fruit is setting, as a check at that time may 

 prevent the setting of the fruit. Ample ventilation 

 should be provided at the ridge and will be desirable in 

 the side walls, that a good circulation of air may be 

 procured. 



The trees may be grown either in pots or tubs, or 

 planted out in borders in the house. The former is 

 desirable from the fact that the trees being portable can 

 be placed close together during the winter, and the con- 



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