310 THE HOT-HOUSE. [March. 
and a constant heat in the bark-bed. As the heat of the weather in- 
creases, and the sun becomes powerful, the morning fires, in par- 
ticular, must be regulated accordingly. 
The fruiting-plants will now generally show fruit; they must 
therefore have very particular care, and not be suffered to want a 
sufficiency of bottom heat, air, or a reasonable portion of water. 
Examine the bark-bed, and see if there is a proper heat; for upon 
that depends the success of having handsome and full-sized fruit. 
The great article is to preserve a. free growth in the fruit, from their 
first appearance to the time of their maturity; this must be done 
by keeping the bark-bed to a proper degree of heat; that is, it 
should be quite lively, for a faint heat will not answer the purpose; 
therefore, on examining the bed, if you find it much decreased, let 
preparation be made for its revival as soon a possible. 
Provide, for that purpose, a quantity of new bark from the tan- 
ners, the beginning of this month. The middle-sized bark is to be 
chosen, and such as has been at least a fortnight or three weeks out 
of the tan-vats. 
The quantity of fresh bark necessary to provide at this time, 
should be equal to near one third of what the bark-pit will contain. 
This when brought home, if very full of moisture, and but little or 
no heat, should be thrown up in a heap, to remain eight or ten days, 
to drain and prepare for fermentation. But if very wet, it should be 
first spread thin in an open sunny place for two or three days to dry, 
and be then thrown in a heap. 
When your bark is ready, and that the bark-pit is declined in 
heat, the latter end of this month, or earlier if necessary, proceed 
to fork up and renew it as directed in page 177, and immediately 
replunge the pots. The whole of this work should be begun and 
finished the same day if possible. 
The heat of the old-bark, not being quite exhausted, will cause 
the new immediately to ferment, and if well proportioned, and mix- 
ed, and that it is done towards the end of the month, it will retain a 
kindly growing heat till the fruit is ripe. For further particulars, 
see January and February. 
Succession Pines. 
As the length of the day and power of the sun increases, these 
plants will begin to grow freely, and from that time it will be neces- 
sary to keep them in a regular growing state; for if young plants 
receive a check afterwards, it generally causes many of them to 
start fruit. From this time forward they will require a little water 
occasionally, just what is only sufficient to keep the earth in a mo- 
derate state of moisture, for too much would injure them. 
About the middle of the month or soon after, will be an eligible 
season for shifting them; in the doing of which, shake off the whole 
ball of earth, and cut off all the roots that are of a black colour, 
carefully preserving such only, as are white and strong. Then put 
the plants that are intended to fruit next season, in pots of eight or 
