By Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. 203 



I therefore venture to conclude, though I confess myselt 

 to be much less skilled in mathematics, than in horticulture, 

 that Mr. Wilkinson's calculations are erroneous. I enter 

 into the controversy with reluctance, and (believing that 

 both of us have only one object in view, that of advancing 

 the science of Horticulture) I hope it will here end. Never- 

 theless, if I err in any of the positions stated, I shall be 

 happy to be better informed by Mr. Wilkinson, or any 

 other gentleman. I now proceed to offer my opinions on 

 the most advantageous form and dimensions of a Peach- 

 house. 



Scarcely any fruit can be raised in greater abundance, 

 or with fewer chances of failure, than the Peach in a forcing- 

 house ; where the insects, which often prove so formidable 

 in the open air, are easily destroyed, and where the tree 

 is subject to scarcely any other disease than the mildew, 

 and I have reason to believe, that the appearance of this 

 disease may, in general, be very easily prevented by selec- 

 tion of proper soil, and by proper management. But though 

 a crop of Peaches, or Nectarines, is very easily obtained 

 under glass, experience seems to have proved that neither 

 of these fruits acquire perfection, either in richness or fla- 

 vour, unless they be exposed to the full influence of the 

 sun, during their last swelling, without the intervention of 

 the glass. It has consequently been the practice, in some 

 gardens, to take off the lights wholly before the fruit be- 

 gins to ripen ; and in warm seasons, and favourable situ- 

 ations, this mode of management succeeds perfectly well. 

 But in the colder parts of England, this cannot be done; 

 and if the weather, in any part, prove cold and wet, just 



