276 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



started have their roots, if outside, properly protected from 

 heavy falls of snow and rain. 



Peaches. — StiU continue to force with caution if the 

 weather he cold. Do not much exceed the temperature re- 

 commended last month for the various stages. Gently syringe 

 with tepid water when the fruit is set, giving a vigorous 

 syringing or two to free those just set from their old hlooms. 

 Pay particular attention to inside borders, and see that they 

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

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

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

 lation 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 

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

 Disbud forward trees as soon as the growths are ready for ifc 



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 aic as 

 light and heat increase. Look well to the regular supply 

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



Strawberries. — 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 circulation of air to secure good flavour. Cease giving 

 manure-water at the root as soon as the first signs of colour- 

 ing are noticed. Where fruit are sweUing, and it is desir- 

 able to have them ripe as early as possible, the night tem- 

 perature 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 



