54 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



VINEEY FOR EAKLY FOEOING. 



What I intend to be understood by the term " early- 

 forcing," is that which produces ripe grapes in March, 

 AprU, and May, and which necessitates the commence- 

 ment of forcing in October, November, and December 

 respectively. The forcing thus extends over a period 

 during which the days are short, sunless, and cold 

 — conditions which, it need scarcely be said, are ad- 

 verse to vegetation of every kind. Even the most 

 ignorant of the art of forcing through such a season wUl 

 at once conclude that the production of good grapes 

 in early spring, in this ever-changing climate, must be 

 one of the most difficult tasks of the horticulturist. 

 Whatever structure it is that insures the greatest possible 

 amount of light, and is at the same time the most easUy 

 heated to and maintained at the necessary temperature, 

 must of necessity be the best for early forcing Very 

 little consideration will serve to convince any one that 

 the form of vinery which presents almost its entire 

 surface of glass to the south, so as to catch every gleam 

 of sunshine, must be the best. 



The " lean-to " as represented by fig. 6 is beyond all 

 doubt the best for early forcing. Indeed it is a good 

 form for producing grapes at any season of the year, 

 but especially at the time now under consideration. 

 The wood-work should not be any heavier than gives 

 sufficient strength, and it should be glazed in large 

 panes with 22-ounce British sheet-glass. The amount of 

 pipes for heating it should not be less than six rows of 

 4-inch pipes the whole length of the house and round 

 both ends, besides a steaming-tray. The whole of the 

 inside wood-work and back wall should be white, so as 



