Feb.] the FRUIT-GARDEN. 139 
Raspberries. 
Raspberries may be pruned towards the latter end of this month, 
especially if the weather be tolerably mild; in doing of which, observe 
to clear away all the old decayed stems which bore fruit last sea- 
son, and to leave three, four, or five of the strongest of last year's 
shoots standing on each root, to bear next summer: all above 
that number, on every root, must be cut off close to the surface of 
the ground, and all straggling shoots between the main plants must 
also be taken away. 
Each of the shoots which are left should be shortened, observing 
to cut off about one third or fourth of their original length. 
The shoots of each root, when pruned, if considerably long and 
straggling, may be tied two or three together; for by that method 
they support one another, so as not to be borne down in summer by 
the weight of heavy rains, or violent winds. 
When you have finished pruning, or as soon after as possible, 
dig the ground between the plants, observing, as you dig, to clear 
away all straggling growths in the intervals, leaving none but such 
as belongs to the shoots which are left to bear. 
New plantations of raspberries may be made about the latter end 
of this month, where the severe winter frosts are over, and the 
ground in proper condition; but where this is not the case, that 
•work must be deferred till next month, or until the soil is in a fit 
state for cultivation. — For the method of making these plantations, 
see the Fruit-garden in March and October. 
The Antwerp raspberries, which had on the approach of winter 
been laid down and covered with litter, &c. on account of their be- 
ing somewhat more tender than the common kinds, ought not to be 
disturbed, till the opening of good weather in March, unless their 
buds begin to swell too freely. 
Strawberries. 
Continue to force early strawberries, as directed last month, in 
pages 34 and 106, which see. 
Having two or three years old bearing plants in pots, as then di- 
rected, plunge them into the hot-beds, and manage them as there 
advised. 
Be careful to admit plenty of air to the plants, at every favourable 
opportunity, by setting up the glasses behind every mild day, and at 
intervals give gentle waterings to the earth in the pots round the 
plants, not pouring it over them, especially while they are in flower. 
When you find the heat of the beds to be on the decline, renew 
it by adding a lining of fresh horse-dung to the sides or eads, or to 
both, as necessity may require; and be very particular in covering 
the glasses every night with mats, or other covering. 
This is also a very successful time to place pots of strawberry 
plants in the hot-house, or in any forcing-house; they will in these 
places bear well, and in early perfection. 
