275 
moderately close, being cai’eful not to leave a 
joint above it; and at all times after this, at the 
appearance of fruit, the same process must be 
adopted. If no fruit appears at the first joint, 
as above, the shoot should still be stopped at 
the same joint, or the whole shoot may be pinched 
off, leaving only one joint. This sort of treat- 
ment is not only of importance in rendering the 
plants productive, but, owing to their being 
bi’ought into a bearing state, the plants are pre- 
vented growing too luxuriant and crowded, by 
which a sudden amputation of the greater part 
of the Plant is sometimes rendered necessary. 
I need scarcely remark, that an excessive prun- 
ing, like this, must throw the whole system of 
the Plant into disorder. Moreover, the Plant, 
while in a crowded condition, is very likely 
to be infested with the Canker, especially in 
cloudy, showery weather, owing to its perpetually 
lying in the midst of stagnant damps, which 
cannot properly pass off" or be dried, the surface 
of the bed being totally depi’ived of the sun’s 
rays. 
The next important thing to be observed is 
the process of watering. Nothing need be said 
about the kind of water to be used, as nature at 
once tell us that rain or soft water is most con- 
genial and proper for the promotion of vegetation. 
In cases of a deficiency of that kind of water, 
spring or hard water may be improved, by being 
kept a few days well exposed to the sun in vessels. 
