188 TREATMENT OF THE 



for the purpose, as already alluded to. When 

 it is desired to have ripe fruit at any parti- 

 cular time, begin to force the trees about 

 sixteen weeks before. In commencing forcing, 

 let the sashes be placed over the trees a fort- 

 night before fire heat is applied. When fire 

 heat is introduced, let it be so regulated for 

 the first two weeks, as to keep the tempera- 

 ture at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and then raise 

 it to 50 degrees until the bloom expands. 

 When the fruit is set, let the heat be increased 

 to 60 degrees. After it is stoned, raise it to 

 65 degrees, at which it may afterwards be 

 kept. 



It will be necessary to admit all the air 

 that can possibly be given in mild weather. 



The trees will require watering at the tops 

 once or twice before the bloom opens; but 

 no water from the time the bloom begins to 

 expand, until after the fruit is set; instead 

 of which, let dews be raised in the house by 

 ( pouring water upon the heated flues. After 

 the fruit is set, water the trees over the tops 

 every other day at least ; early in the season 

 it is best to water in the morning, but later, 

 in the evening. Desist from watering over 

 the tops when the fruit approaches maturity, 

 and if the season then be mild, let the sashes 

 be entirely removed, by which a full admis- 

 sion of sun is afforded to the fruit, which 

 will be much improved in flavour. The 

 watering of the border must be regularly 



