84 



plied too liberally at this early season, in connection^ 

 with a brisk bottom heat, the plants may start into 

 growth, and their fruiting be lost for the present. 



I 



In Fehriiary the temperature may be advanced to 

 75 degs. by day and 65 degs. by night. The princi- 

 pal part of the plants should shew their fruit this j 

 month, and strict attention must be paid to give them 

 every encouragement : they should be looked over' 

 daily ; and when the centre leaves are perceived to be^ 

 spreading outwards, it is an indication of the embryo' 

 fruit emerging from the heart of the plant. The* 

 soil in each pot is to be examined as the fruit appears. 

 If the soil is dry, give a copious watering, sufficient ■ 

 to thoroughly moisten it ; this greatly assists the 

 plant and the swelling of the young fruit, as will be 

 apparent at the time of flawering ; it will then have a 

 stiff, stocky appearance, setting close in the centre of 

 the plant. The plants that are tardy in showing 

 fruit should have a less copious supply of water to- 

 wards the end of the month ; but Mr. Dodemeade^ 

 justly condemns the starving system, as practised by 

 some growers, who withhold water altogether, and 

 lower the temperature of the house ; by these means 

 forcing the plants into fruit at the expense of size and 

 quaUty, for it comes small and puny, with a large 

 disproportioned crown, mounted a foot above the 

 plant, and requiring that support in infancy which 



