326 Methods of Forcing Peaches in Holland. 



remain over the roots of the tree night and day, and be taken 

 off only in a bright day when the sun has power enough to 

 keep the earth at the requisite temperature. I do not leave 

 the roots of the trees entirely uncovered till the middle, or 

 latter end of May. The admission of air is lessened when 

 the buds shew the red dot : but the lights are not shut up 

 entirely at night till the blossom leaves begin to fall ; after 

 that period no more air is given at night, for the temperature 

 must then be encreased in the night to not less than ten 

 degrees, nor higher than thirteen degrees (from 55° to 58° 

 of Fahrenheit.) It is in the gardener's power to lessen 

 or augment the temperature by means of his linings and 

 mats. It is scarcely necessary to add, that in a bright day 

 a little air must be admitted, or the lights be shaded : I 

 prefer the latter, for, supposing it to be in February, when 

 frosty air and cutting winds prevail, these would soon hurt 

 the tender blossoms, or the setting fruits, if exposed by 

 opening the lights. I therefore spread the sprays or 

 branches of lime or other trees over the lights to mode- 

 rate the effect of the sun's rays : the thermometer may, 

 perhaps, without danger, in such days, rise to twenty-four 

 degrees, (87° of Fahrenheit.) When the Peaches have 

 attained the size of a hazel-nut, I then begin to admit a 

 little air, encreasing the admission further in the spring: 

 but shading is however applied until the middle of April, 

 or even later, according to the weather. I never risk so 

 much, in using shading combined with a little air, as by airing 

 without shade, and particularly on this plan, where the tree 

 is so near the glass, and consequently more exposed to the 

 sun's rays than in a common Peach-house. About the 



