FORCING DEPARTMENT. 421 



hot- water pipes require to be kept constantly hot, 

 in order to produce a gentle warmth in the brick 

 work. 



I am, however, inclined to think, that frame-work, 

 with rafters,, placed against a wall, and made as 

 the Melon lights, or any other not in use, if applied 

 for a few weeks, when not wanted for the early 

 crops, would be attended with much less expense, 

 and generally more successful than heating by hot- 

 water. The pipes, &c. at first erection, will cost 

 nearly as much as the frame-work, and there is, 

 also, an annual expense for fuel, which, in this part 

 of the country, where coals generally cost about 

 Is. 8d. per bushel, soon amounts to a considerable 

 sum ; but by having frame-work, and applying the 

 late Melon and Cucumber pit lights, while the trees 

 are in blossom, fire, and hot-water pipes will be 

 unnecessary, as the fruit will be sufficiently for- 

 warded by the influence of the sun, by the time the 

 lights are wanted for the late crops of Melon or 

 Cucumber. The young wood, in Autumn, if not 

 perfectly ripened, may be also matured by adopting 

 such spare lights as will fit the rafters and frame- 

 work for a few weeks, as the effects of the sun 

 through the glass will be sufficient for the perfecting 

 of these shoots. 



This wall is chiefly occupied by Apricots, and 

 Cherry trees; and by applying artificial heat as soon 

 as the flower buds begin to expand, the fruit is 

 accelerated at a much earlier period. This hot-wall 

 appears well adapted for the exciting and forwarding 

 the Cherry at an early period ; as being protected 



