282 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



not recommend much increase of temperature over that re- 

 commended for March ; 75° when the nights are mild, and 

 70^ when cold, is sufficient. The forcing should be acceler- 

 ated by day with sun-heat. They should be shut up soon 

 after three o'clock, and get a gentle dewing overhead through 

 a fine rose — avoid heavy syringings, which keep the soil in 

 an unhealthy puddle. The temperature may rise to 90° for 

 an hour or two. The fires, which should be low during day, 

 require to be quickened early in the afternoon, so as to keep 

 the heat from falling below the points named at 10 p.m. 

 Although the sun has now considerable power, it is not desii'- 

 able to give a great increase of air. Instead of this, it is 

 better to frequently sprinkle the paths and walls, and keep 

 the steaming-trays full. Watering must be carefuUy attended 

 to, aiming at just keeping the soO. moist but not wet. As 

 soon as suckers appear, remove them all except two on each 

 plant ; and if gills or suckers appear on the fruit-stalk, remove 

 them all at once. If bottom-heat is supplied to succession 

 stock shifted in March from tan and leaves, keep a watchful 

 eye on the ground thermometer ; and if it goes above 90°, 

 give each pot a shake from side to side, so as to leave an 

 opening aU round the pots for the escape of the heat. To- 

 wards the middle of the month it is generally necessary to 

 water these, as the roots wiU be taking possession of the 

 fresh soil, which will be getting dry. As they show signs 

 of growth give more air, and always early in the day, so that 

 sun-heat can be husbanded for the early part of the night 

 instead of violent firing. Do not increase the night tempera- 

 ture much over that recommended for March — 70° at 10 p.m., 

 to drop to 65° in the morning. Keep the steaming-trays 

 supplied with water; but unless once or twice a -week in 

 bright weather, do not syringe overhead this month. Any 

 young stock that were not found sufficiently rooted to shift 

 in March wiU require to be attended to now, and shifted 

 when moderately well rooted. 



