284 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



MAY. 



Pines. — Early-started fruit •will no-w be sweUing rapidly 

 towards mature size. "WTien it is an object to get them ripe 

 as soon as possible, they may now be pushed on with a high 

 temperature, but let it be principally derived from sun-heat, 

 to run it up to about 100° for an hour or two after 4 p.m. 

 There must be a corresponding amount of moisture supplied 

 to the air, sprinkling the plants and fruit j but syringing 

 must not be carried to excess, or the result will be taU un- 

 sightly crowns. When the fruit begin to change colour, 

 withhold water at the root, and keep the air drier. Plants 

 just showing fruit require careful attention in the way of 

 watering, and must not be allowed to get too dry at the 

 root, otherwise a serious check wOl be the result. See that 

 they are supplied as steadUy as possible with a bottom-heat 

 of 85° to 90°, Smooth Cayennes, and other winter-fruiting 

 varieties that have been encouraged to grow since the early 

 part of March and that are now strong, and having well 

 filled their pots with roots, may, towards the end of May, be 

 kept cooler and slightly drier to mature their growth and rest 

 them for a time before starting them. By the middle of the 

 month, succession stock shifted two or three months ago 

 win be growing freely, and will require great attention. 

 Increase the moisture in the air in proportion to the in- 

 creased light and progress of the plants ; but avoid heavy 

 syringings, which have a tendency to induce a soft weakly 

 growth, as weU as to keep the soil in a puddle. The soil 

 should be carefully watched and kept moist, but not wet. 

 Do not allow the temperature to run up too high before put- 

 ting air on in the morning. In bright mornings put on 

 a little air at 7 o'clock, and gradually increase it with 

 the rising of the sun till 12 o'clock. Let the shutting up 

 be gradual too — reducing the air early instead of leaving 

 it full on till later in the day. Keep the fires low on 

 sunny days. Hot pipes and a scorching sun should never 

 go together in pine-culture. In -.a general way shading 



