62 
MANAGEMENT OF PLANTS IN FORCING. 
What first and most forcibly occurs to us in the consideration of this subject, 
is the general absence of all that preparation which could adapt the plants for 
receiving such peculiar treatment. A specimen is taken from the ground in the 
autumn and potted, or perhaps it is already in a pot, and if it be hardy, or nearly 
so, it is plunged in some part of the reserve garden till the time arrives for trans- 
ferring it to the forcing-house, when it is taken up, the pot cleaned, and the soil 
top-dressed, and at once placed in an hothouse temperature. 
On this point, as on many others, we might do well to copy the routine of the 
fruit-forcer. The same set of Peach-trees and the same set of Vines are forced 
every year about the same period, and thus they get the habit of being ready to 
begin growing earlier than others, and their nature is in consequence less violated, 
and they are therefore more healthy and productive. In introducing an increased 
temperature to the house, moreover, it is done gradually, according to the manner 
in which the natural spring opens, and not by a sudden transition from extreme 
cold to heat. 
We do not say that it would be desirable to attempt inducing anything like 
the habit of being forced in such common plants as Lilacs and bulbs. But for 
Azaleas, Roses, Hydrangeas, Camellias, and others of an allied order, the plan 
would be attended with the highest advantage, both economically and ornamentally. 
It is on this point, then, that we would fasten special attention. Plants of 
a woody nature must be prepared for forcing. They must be forced year after 
year, and brought into the way of readily developing themselves at an earlier 
season. They must also be treated as single specimens, and with the view of 
making them separately interesting. 
All plants, too, of whatever description, should be introduced gradually to a 
forcing temperature. They should first be encouraged to commence growing in a 
moderate heat, and afterwards be placed, when fairly started, in their warmer 
' 
quarters. Hardy plants, for example, should be put for a few weeks in a cold 
close frame or pit, or in some part of a greenhouse for a few weeks prior to forcing, 
and then be removed to a partially warmed Vinery or Pine-pit, or frame, 
ultimately to be passed to the forcing-pit. 
Another portion of the present general system to which we object is the treat- 
ment of the plants after they have done flowering. They are at once cast into 
some corner or by-place, where they will not be seen ; and if they be just kept 
from dying, it is thought they receive sufficient tendance ; even though, as in the 
case of Roses, they may be required for forcing again in the following season. Such 
a method is more than injudicious. It is fatal to all good results. 
If a plant is to be expected to flower abundantly, blossoms will be looked for 
in vain, unless it be enabled to elaborate and perfect its wood. It must have the 
means of forming its inflorescence ; and these can only be furnished by the assimi- 
lation of that kind and amount of nutriment which its constitution demands, and 
which is to be accomplished alone beneath congenial influences. In fact, the 
