1044 



THE D0OK OF GARDENING. 



of frost it is an excellent plan to plunge the pots up to their 

 rims in coal-ashes in cold frames. Some growers do not trouble 

 much about watering the plants when thus plunged, but it is a 

 mistake to allow the soil to become dry and separated from the 

 pots, the result being that the plants are weakened and the 

 trusses of flowers lack vigour. When required for starting, the 

 pots should be washed and placed as near the glass as possible 



Pig. 675. — Forced Strawberries with Foliage removed on account 

 of Red Spider Attack. 



in a temperature not exceeding 4Sdeg. ; indeed, this should not be 

 much raised by means of fire-heat until ihe flower-spikes appear. 

 Then sdeg. or iodeg. more may be given, but as much air 

 as possible should be admitted without causing a draught or 

 lowering the temperature below sodeg. when in flower (Fig. 

 673) : this will assist in obtaining a good set of fruit. Imme- 

 diately the fruit is set, more heat may be given, maintaining a 



