58 On the House Management of Peaches and Nectarines. 



wheeled into the cavity of the border, and every layer of it 

 that is put on, should be well trodden down until the whole 

 is filled up, allowing a few inches above the level for settling, 

 which will be, however, very trifling. 



The best season for planting is the latter part of autumn, 

 or beginning of spring. And the most expeditious way of 

 furnishing a house is, to plant clean well-worked maiden 

 plants, previously grown in good stiff loam, and trained 

 against a wall three years before they are taken for such pur- 

 pose. At that age they will have gained such strength, and 

 got so well established in the soil, that they can be removed 

 with large balls, and with the greatest safety, into the pla- 

 ces where they are 5 to remain ; they will scarcely feel their 

 removal. 



I generally place a compost of three parts loam, and one 

 part rotten dung immediately round the roots, in order 

 to encourage the plants to strike more freely into the 

 border. 



In the first season the commencement of the forcing is 

 in the second week in February, when the lights are put on 

 the house ; I begin to add a little fire-heat in the last week 

 in the month, and gradually increase this as the spring ad- 

 vances. I obtain a temperature of from 53° to 55° from fire, 

 and I do not allow the sun-heat to exceed 75°. The heat at 

 night is kept uniform by means of a moderate fire, and in the 

 day by the admission of air. 



The trees during the first summer should have frequent 

 bottom waterings, and be well syringed with clear water two 

 or three times a week, this will greatly promote their growth, 

 and keep them clear of insects. Should the green fly, or 



