FORCING DEPARTMENT. ;*<)* 



a dry heat. A moist heat is very beneficial for the 

 suppression of insects, and, at the same time, con- 

 genial to the health and vigour of the plants. About 

 the middle of this month, the weather will, in all 

 probability, be sufficiently warm for dispensing with 

 the fires in this department. As many of the 

 sorts, particularly the Queen's, will throw up more 

 suckers than should be allowed to remain, espe- 

 cially when larger sized fruit is the principal 

 object in view, all should be destroyed, except 

 two or three of the most promising ones, for 

 a succession of young plants. During the months 

 of June and July, much of the fruit will be fast 

 approaching to a state of maturity, and will re- 

 quire to be bountifully supplied with water in 

 its stage of swelling ; but this element must 

 be supplied according to the state of the plants, 

 and as they appear to absorb it. In hot sultry 

 weather they will require more than in dull cloudy 

 seasons. Air must be freely admitted throughout 

 the greater part of the day, and the thermometer 

 may be allowed to vary from 90 to 100 or 110 

 degrees by the influence of the sun ; but when it 

 ranges with the latter point, a large admission of air 

 should be in circulation through the house. As soon 

 as the fruit begins to assume a different colour, 

 it is an indication of its being nearly ripe ; the 

 quantity of water should now be gradually reduced ; 

 and should be entirely dispensed with before it 

 is quite ripe, which will enhance its flavour. The 

 flavour is often, however, much deteriorated by 

 being too long cut before using. Nicol very 

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