CALENDAR. 275 



do not become too dry ; and except in the case of young 

 vigorous trees, manure-water may be given to tbem after the 

 fruit is formed. Ventilate trees in bloom that require a circula- 

 tion of dry air so as to prevent strong currents of frosty air, 

 which so frequently prevail at this season, and which are 

 fatal to the fructifying organs, and injurious to the tender 

 young leaves. "Where there is a great superabundance of 

 young fruit formed, thin off a portion of the smallest regularly 

 all over the trees. Prune the trees in late houses, and dress 

 them over with the mixture recommended, Complete the 

 planting of young trees as soon as possible if not already done. 

 Disbud forward trees as soon as the growths are ready for it. 



Figs. — Continue to put last month's directions in force, 

 increasing the heat a few degrees as the plants begin to break 

 freely into growth, and increase the moisture in the air as 

 light and heat increase. Look well to the regular supply of 

 water at the root, and keep the bottom-heat steady at 80°. 



Strawierries. — In some instances fruit may be sufficiently 

 early to be colouring by the end of the month, in which cases 

 it is necessary to keep a dry warm atmosphere, with a cir- 

 culation of air to secure good flavour. Cease giving manure- 

 water at the root as soon as the first signs of colouring are 

 noticed. "Where fruit are swelling, and it is desirable to have 

 them ripe as early as possible, the night temperature may be 

 kept at 65° to 70° with impunity, and 10° more with sun-heat 

 by day. Start succession plants. Do not expose any very 

 early plants, from which the fruit may be gathered at the end of 

 the month, suddenly to cold ; but harden them off and other- 

 wise care for them till they can be planted out. They will 

 yield fine early runners for potting for early forcing, and make 

 fine stools for cropping outdoors next year. 



Cucumbers. — Those that were sown last wiU be ready to 

 plant out by the middle of this month. Water always with 

 water at 80° to 83°, and keep the night temperature at 70°, 

 giving more or less air daily to prevent spindly growths. Sow 

 for succession crops. 



