324 Methods of Forcing Peaches in Holland. 



is more convenient than a hand-engine, and more completely 

 washes and cleans the leaves. 



Another construction for forcing Peaches is much used in 

 Holland ; its form is like a common hot-bed, with a frame of 

 three or four lights ; but this plan is not much followed in 

 Denmark, partly because of our bad climate, and also be- 

 cause it requires closer attention than that of our common 

 Peach-houses. I have seen it practised in Holland, and 

 it answers well there ; the Dutch gardeners have their 

 earliest Peaches by this way ; sometimes even in the middle 

 of May. Some gardeners have two such frames, the first to 

 come in early, the second for a succession. I myself have 

 practised this method with more or less success, upwards of 

 thirty-six years, and will now, as well as I am able, proceed 

 to describe it. The annexed section and plan will assist my 

 description. 



In selecting a tree to be forced, one should be chosen 

 which is large enough to fill a frame of four lights : I always 

 choose trees of not over-luxuriant growth, and with well 

 ripened wood. It is expedient to fix on the tree in the 

 autumn, for it is necessary to cover its roots with leaves or 

 litter before severe weather sets in, to prevent the frost pe- 

 netrating the soil, and so hinder the removal of the tree. I 

 commence the work sometimes in the beginning of January, 

 sometimes later ; this year I introduced the tree into the 

 frame on the 27th of January, and some of the Peaches 

 ripened the 29th of June. The pit must first be filled with 

 fresh horse-dung, and the lights immediately put on to ex- 

 clude snow or rain ; as soon as the dung begins to heat, much 

 air is given to allow the evaporation of the dung to escape. 



