APPROACH OF SPRING. 89 



means let the trees be taken out of the pots, as 

 ignorant gardeners will be sure to advise. Soak 

 once or twice with water, and place the trees 

 with the others to rest. In cold localities the 

 house must be well shut up when the weather is 

 severe ; and should the temperature sink below 

 zero, then some dry hay among the pots or 

 round them, and over their surfaces, will be very 

 useful. 



As February comes place the trees three feet 

 apart from stem to stem in their places. A 

 house of thirty feet will hold at least thirty fine 

 trees. I have many more, but these are pyra- 

 midal or slender Cordons, and take far less room 

 than the bush trees. Therefore the amateur 

 must be guided by circumstances, as he can 

 always remove superfluous trees in July out of 

 doors to make room for the rest. Some of the 

 fruit-bearing bushes may also be placed close to 

 a warm wall, between the wall trees, to ripen 

 their fruits, which they will do a week or two 

 later than if kept in-doors. I found the fruit 

 smaller in size, but generally finer in colour. 

 By March all pruning must be over as before 

 directed, and watering, except in severe frosts, 

 begin. Ventilate in mild or sunny weather, but 

 let the house be closed up in windy weather, or 

 at night. Changes of temperature or high winds 

 are now fatal to the blossoms, and the trees look 

 most beautiful. A handsome Orchard-house of 



