5;J2 



On Forcing Plums. 



For a crop to ripen in the second week in May the house 

 must be covered in early in January, commencing with a 

 temperature of 42° of Fahrenheit, for the first fortnight, 

 after which the heat may be gradually raised to 52°, at which 

 it may continue until the flowers make their appearance ; 

 during this time frequent changes of air must be admitted, 

 to strengthen the bloom, and the crop will be rendered 

 more certain by keeping the trees in blossom as long as pos- 

 sible, by light shading, when necessary ; and when the petals 

 begin to fall, gentle*dews may be raised from the surface of 

 the mould. 



As the fruit forms, the thermometer should be raised to 58° ; 

 this must be done gradually, as the consequence of a rapid 

 rise may be a casting of the fruit; during the progress of 

 stoning great care must be taken against sudden variations of 

 the temperature, water very sparingly used, and every check 

 by fumigation, &c. given to the various insects which will be 

 particularly active at this period. When the fruit is safely 

 stoned, a moderate dressing of rotten manure may be spread 

 on the surface of the mould ; the heat increased to 68°, and a 

 more liberal supply of water given. After the fruit has at- 

 tained a full size, and approaches maturity, air may be freely 

 admitted, and water should be given in less quantities, and 

 finally discontinued, a few days before gathering. 



I remain, Sir, 

 Your very obedient humble servant, 



John Townsend Aiton. 



Royal Gardens, Windsor, 

 3rd September, 1821. 



