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this mode of forcing are, 1st, that you must begin 

 with maiden plants — that is, trees three years old 

 from the time of their being budded, that have not 

 borne fruit ; 2ndly, that you use the smallest pots 

 you can, every year, consistently with the size of the 

 plants ; and 3rdly, that you shift annually, disturbing 

 the roots as little as possible, but removing the old 

 soil as much as is consistent with this care. 



The following directions for this mode of forcing; 

 are furnished by Mr. W. Hutchinson, gardener to E. 

 J. Shirley, Esq., at Eatington Park : — 



Procure good maiden plants, as soon after the 

 leaves fall in autumn as possible ; pot in sandy loam, 

 enriched with one-fourth well-rotted sheep or cow- 

 dung. Have three sizes of pots; the smallest 12 

 inches wide at top and 1 1 inches deep inside ; the 

 second size, 14 inches at top and 13 deep ; the third 

 size, 17 inches at top and 15 deep. After the plants 

 are potted, plunge them in leaves, or any other litter, 

 to save the roots and pots from the frost. If a pit or 

 frame can be spared, it will be better to start the 

 plants there the first year than to put them into pine- 

 house heat at once. Cut down the plants to four or 

 five eyes, and they will make as many shoots the first 

 year. Place the plants in the pit or frame about the 

 1st of January, increasing the heat gradually, as the 

 plants grow, to make the change to the pine-house as 

 imperceptible as possible. All that will be required 



