286 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



sightly crowns. When the fruit begin to change colour, 

 withhold water at the root, and keep the air drier. Plants 

 just showing fruit require careful attention in the way of 

 watering, and must not be allowed to get too dry at the 

 root, otherwise a serious check wiU be the result. See that 

 they are supplied as steadUy as possible with a bottom-heat 

 of 85° to 90°. Smooth Cayennes, and other winter-fruiting 

 varieties that have been encouraged to grow since the early 

 part of March and that are now strong, and having well 

 fiUed their pots with roots, may, towards the end of May, 

 be kept cooler and slightly drier to mature their growth 

 and rest them for a time before starting them. By the 

 middle of the month, succession stock shifted two or three 

 months ago will be growing freely, and will require great 

 attention. Increase the moisture in the air in proportion to 

 the increased light and progress of the plants ; but avoid 

 heavy syringings, which have a tendency to induce a soft 

 weakly growth, as well as to keep the soil in a puddle. 

 The soil should be carefully watched and kept moist, but 

 not wet. Do not allow the temperature to run up too high 

 before putting air on in the morning. In bright mornings 

 put on a little air at 7 o'clock, and gradually increase it with 

 the rising of the sun tUl 12 o'clock. Let the shutting up 

 be gradual too — reducing the air early instead of leaving it 

 full on till later in the day. Keep the fires low on sunny 

 days. Hot pipes and a scorching sun should never go to- 

 gether in pine-culture. In a general way, shading succession 

 pines is not desirable. It is sometimes necessary, especially 

 in the case of Cayennes when growing fast ; and after a con- 

 tinuance of dull weather, it is better to shade lightly for an 

 hour or two than to allow the leaves to get browned and 

 wiry. 



Vines. — In early houses where the grapes are ripe, the 

 atmosphere should be dry and cool. It is however possible, 

 for the weUbeing of the vines, to carry the drying process 



