346 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



growth, so that the mean temperature is about 58° to 60° when 

 the blooms begin to open, which is the same as when Strawberries 

 are in bloom outside. After the "setting " stage the mean tempera- 

 ture may be 65°, or the fruit may be forced hard, according to 

 the time it is required. After the fruit is formed everything 

 is easy, strict attention being paid to the ventilation. In forcing 

 Strawberries it should be borne in mind that they are hardy 

 plants, and dislike a close, stagnant atmosphere in all stages of 

 growth ; therefore at all times when the external temperature is 

 above 32° Fahrenheit air should be on the structure, with an 

 increased amount while they are in bloom, and a greater amount 

 of heat in the pipes at the same time, to keep up the required 

 temperature. 



Except when in bloom, Strawberry plants are much benefited 

 by having the syringe freely used on fine days, up to the time the 

 fruit begins to colour ; it assists to check insects. The plants are 

 liable to be infested with green-fly. Fumigating is the best pre- 

 ventive ; an extra fumigating should be given before the blooms 

 begin to open. If they are infested with fly while in blocm they 

 will not set, neither will the blooms bear fumigating. 



Ked-spider is another enemy, for which syringing is the best 

 remedy, and also assists to prevent mildew. This latter disease 

 is sometimes very troublesome, particularly if there is a continu- 

 ance of dull, damp weather. If it appears, the pipes should 

 be painted with sulphur, and extra heat got in them, which soon 

 destroys it. 



The Strawberries are much improved in size by limiting the 

 number of fruits according to the size of the pots. Six are suffi- 

 cient for a 48, and eight to ten for a 32, according to the kinds. 

 By reducing them to the above numbers a greater weight of first 

 quality fruit will be the result. Thinning should be attended to 

 in good time. I thin mine as soon as the blooms begin to open, 

 so that the strength of the plant is not wasted on superfluous 

 blooms. As soon as the fruit is set the plants should be fed 

 with some kind of manure, of which there is a good choice in the 

 present day. From the time the fruit is set until it ripens is 

 but short, therefore a kind of manure that suits them and acts 

 quickly is what is required. It should contain phosphate, 

 ammonia, and lime, freely soluble. It should be used according 

 to the strength, spread on the surface of the soil, or a portion 



