148 Success with Small Fruits. 



holidays. They can thereafter be taken from the storage place every two 

 or three weeks, so as to secure a succession. By this course, also, if a 

 mishap befalls one lot of plants, there still remain several chances for 

 winter fruit. 



In the forcing process, follow nature. The plants do not start sud- 

 denly in spring, but gradually awaken into life. The weather, also, is 

 comparatively cool when they are blossoming. If these hints are not 

 taken in the green-house, there may be much promise but little fruit. 

 If the heat is turned on too rapidly, when the plants begin to bloom, 

 the calyx and corolla will probably develop properly, but the stamens 

 will be destitute of pollen, while the pistils, the most complicated 

 part of the flower, and that which requires the longest time for perfect 

 formation, become " a mere tuft of abortions, incapable of quickening, 

 and shriveling into pitch-black threads as soon as fully in contact with 

 the air." Let the conditions within-doors accord as far as possible with 

 those under the open sky. The roots require coolness, continuous and 

 evenly maintained moisture. One check from over-dryness may cause 

 serious and lasting injury. The foliage needs air and light, in abun- 

 dance. Therefore, the pots should be on shelves close to the glass ; 

 otherwise the leaf and fruit-stalks will be drawn and spindling. If 

 the pot can be shaded while the plant is in full light, all the better. 

 When first introduced, the temperature should not exceed 45 or 50. 

 Air must be freely admitted at all times, though much less will suffice, 

 of course, in cold than in warm weather. Watch the foliage, and if it 

 begins to grow long and without substance, give more air and less heat. 

 An average of 55 to 70 by day may be allowed, and from 45 to 

 50 by night. 



When the flower buds begin to open, the forcing must be conducted 

 more slowly and evenly, so as to give the delicate organs time to 

 perfect ; but after the fruit is set, the heat can be increased till it occa- 

 sionally reaches 75 at midday. After the fruit begins to color, give 

 less water barely sufficient to prevent any check in growth, and 

 the fruit will be sweeter and ripen faster. The upper blossoms may be 

 pinched off, so as to throw the whole strength of the plant into the 

 lower berries. Keep off all runners ; syringe the plants if infested with 

 the red spider, and if the aphis appears, fumigate him with tobacco. 



The plants that have fruited need not be thrown away as useless. 

 If they are turned out of the pots into rich, moist soil, in April, and the 

 runners are kept off all summer, they will make large bushy stools, 

 which will give a fine crop in autumn. 



