88 FRUIT TREES IN POTS [ch. 



do not close till late in the afternoon, say from 5 

 to 5.30, if the weather is warm. Always give a 

 current of air if possible when trees are in flower. 

 In the extent of strong winds, open the ventilators 

 on the opposite side to the wind, as far as is safe, 

 and gi\'e a small amount only on the windy side, 

 so as to avoid any stagnant air. But in warm and 

 quiet weather open all ventilators as far as possible 

 during the flowering stage. 



I have mentioned March as the month in which 

 the trees come into flower, but of course seasons 

 yavj. In some years the trees will probably floxver 

 earlier than others, but if the foregoing instructions 

 are observed, they will apply to tlie flowering stage 

 whenex'er it may be. 



Where apples, pears, or plums have been 

 wintered out-of-doors, they should be carefully 

 watched towards the end of this month, or during 

 the early part of April. They should be placed 

 indoors just before they come into flower, so as to 

 protect them from frost. 



April. — The fruit will now be setting, or some 

 of it set by this time, and great care should be 

 taken not to increase the temperature too rapidly. 

 A temperature ranging from 45° to 50°, or 55° to 

 60°, with ventilation, will be the best during this 

 stage. 



I am perfectly aware that on some days, if it 



