392 FORCING DEPARTMENT. 



some cases, it is necessary to form a kind of bason 

 round the edges of the pot, by placing a piece of 

 thin turf, and rilling it up by fresh soil, but leaving 

 a sufficient space for holding water, so that it may not 

 run over the surface of the mould without penetrating 

 to the roots of the plants. 



As many of the plants will be shewing fruit in 

 February, the atmosphere of the house is increased 

 to 70 degrees by fire heat, and from 80 to 85 degrees 

 with sun heat ; the Pines are now occasionally 

 syringed over their leaves as the season advances ; 

 and water that has been well impregnated with 

 pigeon and deer dung is applied to their roots ; 

 but duly observing that the chill is taken off the 

 water used. 



The hot- water pipes, and footpaths, are frequently 

 sprinkled with this element, which creates an exha- 

 lation that is very beneficial to the vegetating fruit. 

 As the season advances in warmth, the thermometer 

 is gradually increased, until it will stand about 75 

 degrees in the evenings, by fire heat, and from 80 to 

 90 degrees in the day by the influence of the sun. 



By the month of May, the fruit will be swelling 

 apace, and should be supported by sticks placed in 

 the pots, to which the crowns and stems of the fruit 

 are to be tied. The plants, at this season, are boun- 

 tifully supplied with liquid manure at the roots, and 

 frequently syringed over their foliage, as they have 

 now to support their suckers, as well as fruit ; conse- 

 quently, they require a greater portion of nourish- 

 ment, and always appear to flourish more luxuriantly 

 when grown in a humid atmosphere than if kept in 



