1874. ] 
GARDEN WORK FOR FEBRUARY. 
47 
the best fibry peat and fresh sphagnum, incorporated with pieces of charcoal 
and potsherds, to insure porosity. 
Conservatories must be frequently rearranged, removing such plants as show the 
least signs of decay. Azaleas^ Camellias^ and flowering Bulbs^ such as Amaryllis^ 
Eucharis^ &:c., are particularly effective. Keep up a succession in the forcing- 
house by introducing progressively such things as Roses^ Lilacs^ Azaleas^ Rhodo¬ 
dendrons^ Lily of the Valley^ &c., all of which will force easily after this time.— 
George Westland, Witley Court. 
FRUITS. 
Pines: Attend to last month’s directions in regard to succession Pines in 
dung-pits ; give more air in good weather as the season advances, and avoid too 
much moisture. ' Keep up a moist heat in the fruiting-house, and water those 
freely that are starting into fruit; syringe in the afternoon, if much fire-heat be 
necessary; if fresh tan has been used, see that the bottom-heat is not too violent, 
as great injury to the plants is often caused in this way. Prepare good turfy 
loam, mixed with one-fourth rotten dung, and keep it moderately dry, to be in 
readiness for shifting the plants at the end of the month. This is a good time 
to plant out fruiting Pines, either before or after they show fruit; plant them 
on ridges of turfy loam and rotten manure, on a good bed of leaves, which is the 
best, as it will retain sufficient bottom-heat for many months. 
Vines: If the fruit is set in the early house, use the syringe, and maintain 
a moist growing atmosphere ; give a good portion of air in fine weather, in the 
early part of the day, but close the house early in the afternoon ; tie-in the 
shoots, and stop all laterals down to the last bud; continue to thin the berries 
as they may require it, and do not leave more than one hunch to a shoot. Attend 
to previous directions for the management of the succession-houses. Plunge pot 
Vines if possible, otherwise stand the pots on turf, and well supply those in fruit 
with liquid manure ; thin the bunches to about six or eight for a 12-in. pot, and 
remove all useless growth. , Put in Vine-eyes early in the month, place them in 
striking-pans, and plunge them in a bed with a bottom-heat of 80°. 
Figs: Those being forced in pots should have plenty of water, and if the 
pots are full of roots, liquid manure should be given _ once a week ; keep a moist 
night temperature of 55° to 60°, and air freely through the day. A night 
temperature of 55° in the succession-house, with a rise of 15° degrees by sun- 
heat, will suffice. Syringe the trees, and close early. 
Peaches and Nectarines: Attend to the disbudding in the early house, 
removing or stopping-back all strong shoots not required to furnish the trees. 
Watch for the attack of green-fly, and fumigate with tobacco at its first appear¬ 
ance. As soon as the fruit is properly set, use the syringe freely, and raise the 
night temperature 5° or more, according to the state of the weather; the day 
temperature also in like proportion, and air freely in bright weather. See previous 
directions for others not so far advanced. 
Cherries: Give a night temperature from 50° to 55° till the trees are in 
bloom, when abundance of air must be given. The temperature with sun-heat 
may range 10° or 15° higher. Plums require similar treatment, but require 
more water at the root than Cherries. 
Strawberries: Place those in bloom in a situation where they will have the 
advantage of plenty of air and light; and when the fruit is properly set, this 
may bo removed to a warmer place ; clip off the small blossoms, and water 
occasionally with liquid manure ; bring in more plants for succession. 
Melons: Keep up a good growing heat of 65° to 70°, allowing a rise of 10° 
during sunshine ; close the frames early; sow more seed for succession. 
