72 



SMALL FRUIT CULTXJRIST. 



years with a great variety of plants, I cannot indorse thu 

 new theory of no drainage, particularly when the plants 

 grown in pots naturally succeed best in a soil that is 

 deep and moderately dry. With the small pots, drainage 

 is of little importance, but with those of larger size all 

 surplus moisture should be allowed to pass through, leav- 

 ing only what will usually be retained by the soil. 



The plants, after they have been placed in the large 

 pots, may be set close together, or plunged up to the rim of 

 the pot in the open ground until wanted, care being given 

 to keep them growing vigorously until within a few weeks 

 of the time they are to be placed in the forcing-house. 

 Water should be gradually withlield, so that the plants 

 may ripen. It is not advisable to withhold water en- 

 tirely, but give only enough to keep the plants from 

 actually suffering for the want of it, and allow them a 

 short period of rest before starting them again into 

 growth. If runners should appear they must be pinched 

 off. Those wanted for an early crop may be placed in the 

 house the first of ISTovember, as it will be ten to four- 

 teen weeks from the time the plants are placed in the 

 forcing-house before the fruit will be ripe. 



If a succession of crops is desired, then, only a portion 

 of the plants should be placed in the house at one time. 



The pots may be set on shelves or plunged in soil — ^tUe 

 latter method is preferable, as there is less danger of the 

 plants being affected by careless watering or change of 

 temperature. 



The plants should now be watered regularly, just enough 

 to keep the soil moist, but not wet — the temperature of 

 the house raised to 65 or 75 degrees in the day, and 50 to 

 60 at night, slightly increasing as the flower stems appear. 



The plants should be frequently, say every alternate 

 day, syringed or sprinkled overhead until they bloom, 

 then omit it until the fruit is set, after which it may be 

 continued, but not quite SQ often as before. While the 



