30 



this will hare a tendency to produce blossom spurs, 

 and will control the too luxuriant or rapid growth of 

 the plant. Those shoots of a subordinate character, 

 and not so strong, may be left growing ; and this course 

 persisted in, will constantly equalise the distribution 

 of the sap, and keep the plants well balanced and 

 symmetrical. 



In forcing, a very moderate amount of heat must 

 be allowed ; for it is well known that the apple suc- 

 ceeds best in temperate climes. If a small amount 

 of bottom-heat could be allowed during the earlier 

 period of forcing, or until the blossom was set, it 

 would no doubt be an advantage ; after which period 

 the root would require no extra stimulus, except the 

 occasional aid of clear liquid manure. The bottom- 

 heat, however, should not be above 70 degrees. The 

 atmospheric treatment should much resemble that of 

 cherry forcing, keeping up a very free circulation of 

 air, with moist floors or others surfaces, and a very 

 low night temperature. The forcing might com- 

 mence at 50 degs. day heat, and be suffered to ad- 

 vance 2 degs. a week until 60 degs. was attained, be- 

 yond which it should seldom range, unless by sun 

 heat. The night temperature should range from 40 

 to 45 degs. at first, advancing in a progressive way to 

 55 degs., which, for the most part, should be the 

 maximum, except at the latter stages. The growth 

 of the young wood would be a tolerably good criterion 



