38 On Forcing Peaches and Nectarines, 



better, and is attended with much less trouble and expense than 

 the above. 



There are few gardens that have so much north walling to spare, 

 and a better end is obtained without the sacrifice. 



I confine the roots of my trees for forcing within a walled border, 

 of, from four to six feet wide ; according to the extent of surface 

 which is desired for my trees to cover, and from sixteen to eighteen 

 inches deep. The soil which I use to plant my trees in, is nothing 

 else than the perfectly fresh turfy top from a good mellow loamy 

 pasture field, coarsely chopped up ; and if the trees are of a proper 

 age, the crop will be as fine the first season as at any future 

 period. 



I water plentifully, but judiciously in the swelling season ; but 

 more plentifully in the last stage of swelling, and then the fruit 

 will swell off to a fine size, if the following attentions are paid. 



As soon as the fruit begins to change colour I leave off watering 

 the roots almost entirely, and none over the leaves and fruit till all 

 is gathered ; at the same time exposing them as much as possible 

 to the direct action of the sun's rays and atmospheric air, till all 

 is gathered; and that I may lose no time in my forcing, by so 

 much exposure to the atmospheric air and direct rays of light, I 

 allow the house to be very hot in the morning before I give air ; 

 and then I give it by degrees, till the roof is completely thrown 

 open ; and again, unless rain falls, I do not shut up till late in the 

 day, and then in sufficient time to allow of having a high tempera- 

 ture, either with fire or sun, so as to accelerate the forcing, till I 

 commence gathering, at which period, if I have enough for my 

 demand, I keep all as open and exposed as possible, only sheltering 

 from rain to the last ; when I remove the lights, I wash the trees 

 several times, powerfully, and give a good soaking to the roots 

 with soft, rain, river, or pond water. 



I renovate the roots every three or four years, by taking off six 



