42 FRUIT TREES IN POTS [ch. 



date of the month will ha\'e to be decided by the 

 locaUty, but by way of illustration, for the south 

 of England about December 20 is the best date 

 for starting the fire. Use only gentle heat to 

 begin with, and spray the trees occasionally, as 

 this will assist the blossom buds to open. As the 

 trees come into flower give as much air as possible 

 at this season of the year, for it must be borne in 

 mind that air is an essential for the setting of these 

 fruits. As there will not be any bees about at this 

 period, it will be necessary to use the artificial 

 means of fertilizing the flowers described on a sub- 

 sequent page. Watch the setting of the fruits, but 

 do not attempt to hurry their progress by apply- 

 ing strong heat, as this would be fatal. A good 

 and safe temperature is one ranging from 45° to 

 50° or 55° Fahr., until the fruit is well set. As 

 the fruit increases in size the temperature may also 

 be gradually increased, say from 60° to 65° or even 

 70° Fahr. with ventilation. 



Give ventilation every day when the weather 

 is favourable, but avoid admitting a strong or cold 

 air, and especially so on the windy side of the house. 

 It will be easily understood that the opening of the 

 house will take place later in the day, and the 

 closing of the house earlier than that recommended 

 for a cold house. The syringing will probably be 

 done in the morning only, but, as a substitute, the 



