268 THE FORCING GARDEN. 



plants in the process, and in order that they may 

 sustain as little injury as possible, the necessity of a 

 more moderate treatment in the one than in the 

 other. Late forcing, though mild, is, to a certain 

 degree, constraining nature ; early forcing is com- 

 mitting an outrage against her. 



Sudden changes from heat to cold, or the contra- 

 ry, ought carefully to be avoided, especially while 

 the bloom or fruit is in a tender state. And this is 

 more necessary to be observed in the forcing of 

 stone than other fruits, these being impatient of 

 violent checks, particularly in the time of setting 

 and stoning. 



To the production of fruits in high perfection and 

 flavour, large portions of fresh air are necessary and 

 essential, more particularly as they approach to- 

 wards maturity. And although moderate, frequent, 

 and plentiful waterings, according to the nature of 

 the plants in question, be advisable, when in a state 

 of free growth, and while the fruit are swelling ; 

 yet water should almost entirely be withheld from 

 the time it begins to colour, that the beauty of the 

 fruit may not be lessened nor its flavour be dete- 

 riorated. 



