CALENDAR. 279 



grow more freely. Avoid in all piae-Louses cold draughts as 

 mucli as possible. 



Vines. — Early crops that have finished the stoning process, 

 and that are required to ripen as early as possible, may be 

 encouraged forward more freely with an advance of tempera- 

 ture to 70° in mUd weather ; but if cold east winds prevail, 

 and the days be sunless, it is better to force more gently, 

 taking advantage of bright suns to shut up early, and hus- 

 band heat for the night with the least possible amount of 

 fire-heat compatible with the temperature required. As soon 

 as colouring begins, give air a little more freely and decrease 

 the moisture. The increase and decrease of these elements 

 should never be sudden, but gradual. A small amount of air 

 left on at night is favourable to good colour. If the early 

 crop is from vines in pots, a constant watch must be kept to 

 prevent their sufferiug from either a deficiency or super- 

 abundance of water. Discontinue watering with manure- 

 water when colouriug commences. Attend to all vines in 

 late stages, by timely stopping, thinning, and tying down 

 shoots. Examiue inside borders, and keep them moderately 

 moist with water at a temperature 8° or 10° more than that 

 of the atmosphere. Where there are stiU. late grapes hanging 

 in small quantities, it is desirable, for many reasons, to cut 

 them, and keep them in a dry fruit-room. As soon as they 

 are aU cut, lose no time in pruning and dressing the vines. 

 Then the house can be kept cool and well aired for a month 

 at least before they begin to grow. This is a good time to 

 complete making new vine-borders and planting young vines, 

 though it can be successfully done tiU midsummer. 



Peaches. — If the weather be cold and sunless, force with 

 the same caution recommended last month. To force peaches 

 at a high temperature by dint of hard forcing is never safe, 

 far less so till after the stoning stage. Do not exceed 55° to 

 60° at night, until they begin to take their second swelling ; 

 then, if the fruit are required early, the heat may range to 



