FALL OF KAIN. VENTILATION. 117 



It is, however, proper to apply manure when the 

 plants are rapidly growing, and to those parts 

 which can absorb it, and not, as a great many do, 

 at the stems of the trees. 



The fall of rain furnishes the observer with 

 many most interesting phenomena for remark, 

 and thus horticulture leads the inquirer into many 

 paths he would otherwise never have trod. Less 

 rain will certainly fall on the top of the house 

 than falls on the surface of the ground. The \ 

 average of downpour of a day and night is one ( 

 inch of water ; but in the west of England it is ( 

 one third more, and in the lake districts double/ 

 the quantity. It is also remarkable how a high^ 

 temperature with a south-west wind will absorb 

 the vapours, and cause a delicious temperature, 

 most healthy for men as well as for plants. But 

 the climate of England is certainly very moist, 

 and every precaution must be taken to carry away 

 the superfluous waters from the borders. 



Ventilation is an inexhaustible subject, and one 

 of much moment to the horticulturist. In the 

 Orchard-house, however, it is much simplified, 

 though I see that Mr. Rivers recommends fewer 

 top ventilators than were of use at first, and 

 certainly cold currents of air, especially if charged 

 with excessive moisture, cannot be suitable to 

 peach culture. Precautions must therefore be 

 taken to guard against these, as also against 

 strong winds acting directly on the ripened fruit. 



