938 THE_ BOOK OF GARDENING. 



winter. Some of the Viburnums are lovely plants for early 

 forcing, but to have them in full beauty they should be brought 

 on gradually, and not subjected to strong heat at first. Nearly 

 all the shrubby Spiraeas force famously, and continue in 

 blossom for a long time if placed in a light and moderately- 

 warm greenhouse or conservatory. Even the common Laburnum 

 and Wistaria sinensis have lately been proved suitable for forcing 

 in spring. Quite small plants well established in pots blossom 

 profusely; the yellow pendent racemes of the former and the 

 delicate blue blossoms of the latter, are striking objects amongst 

 other forced plants. 



Staphyleas, covered with beautiful white flowers, are always 

 objects demanding attention, and being of easy culture and 

 forcing readily, should have a place amongst shrubs for 

 supplying flowers early. In the Prunus family we have a grand 

 collection of plants, 'varying in colour of blossoms' from pure 

 white to lovely shades of pinkish-red, all of which will force 

 with ease, and a certainty of success. When we add Roses in 

 their different forms and almost innumerable varieties, some idea 

 can be formed of the many valuable plants at the command of 

 the present-day gardener. The list of such might be extended 

 considerably, and many more equally suitable things named ; but 

 quite sufficient has been mentioned to indicate that with the 

 means and accommodation available there need be no dearth of 

 fresh and exquisite flowers of almost every hue all through the 

 winter and spring months. 



Where means are limited, and it is impossible to afford the 

 purchase of new shrubs, &c, annually, special attention ought to 

 be paid to the growth of the plants after they have done 

 blossoming by keeping them in the house, and encouraging the 

 formation of young wood by pruning out all waste or exhausted 

 shoots or twigs, by feeding with chemical or diluted liquid manure, 

 and by putting the plants outside only after properly hardening 

 off and when the weather is safe for them to be outside. When 

 placed outside immediately after flowering in a warm greenhouse 

 a violent check is given, and naturally plants so treated will not 

 be in a fit condition to flower again or force the following 

 winter. In many gardens space under glass is so valuable that 

 room can ill be spared for plants that have performed their 

 functions; still, it is best to supply this necessary space and 

 attention. 



For Methods of Forcing Fruit, see Chapter " On Fruit Culture." 



