132 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
August  6,  189T. 
S  W0KK.F® 
^EE' 
If 
FRTJIT  FORCING. 
Cherry  House. — The  trees  that  were  started  early  in  the  year  are 
ripe  in  wood  and  plump  in  bud.  The  leaves,  too,  will  not  be  capable  of 
much  further  effort  in  elaborating  the  sap,  and  storing  it  in  the  buds 
and  adjacent  wood  ;  therefore  any  undue  excitement  will  cause  the 
trees  to  start  into  growth,  which  must  b"'  guarded  against  by  exposure 
to  atmospheric  influences  as  far  as  the  house  will  admit,  which  is 
the  best  means  of  averting  premalure  growth,  to  which  the  Cherry  is 
liable  when  forced  year  after  year  successively.  The  border  must  not 
be  allowed  to  become  parcbingly  dry,  but  have  a  copious  supply  of 
water  when  necessary  for  keeping  it  a  moist  condition  ;  and  if  the  trees 
are  weak  afford  liquid  manure.  To  subdue  red  spider  give  an  occasional 
washing  with  the  garden  engine  or  syringe,  and  if  needful  apply  an 
insecticide,  but  by  all  means  remove  the  roof  lights,  the  cleansing 
influence  of  rain  and  invigorating  tendency  of  dew,  with  the  thorough 
moistening  of  the  border,  having  a  very  beneficial  effect. 
Black  aphis  can  hardly  be  kept  from  Cherry  trees  for  any  length  of 
time,  but  the  leaves  and  wood  at  this  season,  from  their  hard  texture, 
are  not  inviting  to  them,  yet  if  they  appear  on  the  laterals  promptly  use 
tobacco  water,  or  dust  the  affected  parts  with  snuff  or  tobacco  powder. 
The  narcotic  is  fatal  to  these  somewhat  hardly-killed  insects,  and  it 
deters  egg  deposition  on  the  young  shoots.  Cherry  trees  in  pots  are  the 
most  interesting  of  all  fruits  grown  that  way.  They  offer  such  a  variety 
and  afford  fruit  over  so  long  a  period  that  it  is  remarkable  they  are  not 
more  commonly  seen.  With  very  slight  forcing  they  ripen  the  crop  in 
May,  and  afford  a  succession  up  to  August.  In  a  house  without  heat, 
but  light  and  well  ventilated,  ripe  Cherries  can  be  had  early  in  June, 
and  a  succession  may  be  maintained,  with  proper  care,  up  to  September, 
inclusive.  Early  Rivera.  Empress  Eug4nie,  May  Duke,  Archduke, 
Governor  Wood,  Black  Eagle,  Emperor  Francis,  Florence,  and  many 
other  varieties  are  excellent.  For  planting  out  Early  Rivers,  Elton, 
Governor  Wood,  and  Black  Tartarian  afford  good  crops  of  large  fruit. 
Trees  in  pots  must  be  regularly  watered  and  syringed  to  maintain  the 
foliage  in  health  as  long  as  possible. 
Figs. — Earliest  Forced  Trees  in  Pots. — Directly  the  second  crop  of 
fruit  is  gathered  examine  the  trees  for  red  spider  and  scale,  as  keeping 
the  soil  somewhat  drier  at  the  roots,  and  the  atmosphere  being  drier  in 
consequence  of  a  free  circulation  of  air,  these  pests  increase  alarmingly. 
They  are  almost  certain  infestors  of  Fig  trees  in  heated  structures,  and 
however  alert  the  cultivator  may  be  these  enemies  get  ahead  during  the 
ripening  of  the  fruit ;  therefore,  when  that  is  cleared  off  the  trees 
recourse  must  be  had  to  cleansing,  and  as  the  foliage  and  wood  is  far 
advanced  in  ripening  destructive  agents  may  be  employed  at  a  strength 
that  would  not  be  safe  at  an  earlier  stage. 
If,  therefore,  these  pests  have  made  undesirable  progress  it  will 
be  advisable  to  syringe  the  trees  with  an  approved  insecticide  or  a 
mixture  of  petroleum,  softsoap,  soda,  and  water.  One  wineglassful 
of  petroleum  to  4  gallons  of  water,  in  which  8  ozs.  of  softsoap  has 
been  dissolved,  with  1  oz.  of  washing  soda  whilst  boiling,  should  he 
stirred  briskly  with  a  broom-handle  whilst  another  person  applies  it  to 
the  trees  with  a  syringe  so  as  to  wet  every  part  of  the  tree,  the  under  as 
well  as  the  upper  side  of  the  leaves  and  all  the  wood.  To  prevent  the 
mixture  soaking  into  the  soil  a  little  dry  moss  may  be.  t'ed  round  the 
stem,  and  then  a  sort  of  pyramid  of  the  same  placed  about  the  plants. 
If  the  wood  is  badly  infested  employ  a  somewhat  stiff  brush  for  freeing 
it  of  the  scale  whilst  wet.  In  bad  cases  repeat  this  in  the  course  of  a 
day  or  two,  afterwards  syringing  thoroughly  with  tepid  water.  The 
trees  will  only  need  water  to  prevent  the  foliage  becoming  limp,  venti¬ 
lating  to  the  fullest  extent  day  and  night ;  but  protect  the  trees  from 
heavy  rains,  which  have  a  tendency  to  growth  instead  of  securing  that 
rest  essential  for  those  subjected  to  early  forcing. 
Early  Forced  Planted-out  Trees. — As  the  second  crop  is  ripening  a 
circulation  of  air  will  be  needed  constantly,  more  of  course  by  day  than 
at  night.  If  dull,  wet  weather  prevail,  a  gentle  heat  in  the  pipes 
make  all  the  difference  between  well  ripened  and  insipid  fruit.  It  also 
often  makes  impunity  or  otherwise  from  “spot,”  certain  or  uncertain. 
Watering  at  the  roots  must  be  diminished,  and  syringing  discontinued, 
but  a  moderate  air  moisture  may  be  maintained  for  the  benefit  of  the 
foliage.  If  red  spider  is  present,  and  there  is  heat  in  the  hot-water 
pipes,  coat  these  thinly  with  sulphur,  or  a  good  syringing  may  be  given 
after  the  fruits  have  been  picked  c^ose,  choosing  a  timq  when  there  is  a 
prospect  of  the  moisture  not  remaining  long  upon  the  trees.  As  soon  as 
the  fruits  are  all  gathered  the  trees  may  have  a  good  washing  with  the 
syringe  or  engine  to  free  the  foliage  cf  dust  and  red  spider,  otherwise  a 
free  circulation  of  dry  warm  air  should  be  maintained  in  ihe  house 
until  the  foliage  commenced  falling  naturally,  and  which  must  not  be 
accelerated  by  allowing  the  soil  to  become  dust  dry  at  the  roots. 
Thiheated  Houses. — When  Fig  trees  are  grown  against  walls  the 
crops  are  not  always  satisfactory,  especially  in  a  wet  season,  but  cover¬ 
ing  such  trees  with  glass  usually  results  in  the  produce  of  Figs  of  the 
highest  excellence.  Structures  with  a  south  aspect  are  the  most 
suitable,  and  to  have  the  trees  thoroughly  under  command  the  roots 
must  be  restricted  to  narrow  borders,  one- third  the  width  of  the  trellis 
being  ample,  and  not  more  than  2  feet  deep  over  plhnty  of  drainage 
of  a  calcareous  nature.  The  border  may  consist  of  good  substantial 
loam  with  about  one-fifth  of  old  mortar  rubbish  incorporated.  The 
calcareous  matter  is  essential  to  the  formation  of  nitrate  of  lime  in 
the  soil,  and  sand  is  an  important  constituent  in  building  up  the 
structure  of  the  trees.  With  unobstructed  light  and  provision  for  free 
ventilation  the  finest  Figs  may  be  obtained  if  the  usual  attention  is 
given  to  feeding  with  liquid  manure  as  required.  It  is  also  necessary 
that  the  growths  be  thin,  acting  on  the  extension  system,  but  securing 
by  judicious  stopping  a  fair  amount  of  spurs,  and  in  no  case  allow  more 
growths  to  be  made  than  can  have  full  exposure  to  light.  The  fruit  is 
now  advanced  in  swelling,  and  every  pains  must  be  taken  to  keep  the 
foliage  free  from  red  spider.  This  may  be  effected  by  forcible  syringing 
early  in  the  afternoon,  but  do  not  syringe  it  if  there  is  no  prospect  of 
the  foliage  becoming  dry  before  night.  Under  such  circumstances  damp 
the  border,  especially  in  the  afternoon,  and  occasionally  with  liquid 
manure. 
Admit  a  little  air  early,  increasing  it  with  the  sun  heat,  maintaining 
through  the  day  a  temperature  of  80°  to  85°,  with  free  ventilation, 
closing  early,  so  as  to  run  up  to  90°  or  95°,  even  100°,  and  when  the  sun 
is  declining  a  little  air  may  be  admitted  at  the  top  so  as  to  allow  the 
pent-up  air  moisture  to  escape,  the  temperature  gradually  cooling 
down.  Water  or  liquid  manure,  according  to  circumstances,  will  be 
required  about  once  a  week  or  oftener,  in  order  to  keep  the  soil  in  a 
properly  moist  condition.  When  the  fruit  begins  to  ripen  lessen  the 
supply  of  water  and  discontinue  syringing,  securing  a  circulation  of  air 
constantly,  and  freely  vrntilate  when  favourable.  Husband  sun  heat, 
which  will  not  do  any  harm  if  the  atmosphere  is  not  confined,  a  little 
ventilation  being  given  so  as  to  allow  of  the  moisture  escaping  instead  of 
condensing  on  tbe  fruit  and  causing  it  to  crack  and  mould. 
Fines. — Cleaning  Houses  and  Beds. — Cleanliness  is  essential  to 
health  and  high-class  produce.  Bottom  heat  promotes  certain  and  speedy 
work  in  Pine  culture,  hence  the  first  thing  to  be  seen  to  is  the  bed.  If 
the  bottom  heat  be  afforded  by  hot- water  pipes  the  material  forming  the 
bed,  whether  of  tan  or  leaves,  should  be  removed  at  least  once  a  year, 
or  insects,  particularly  woodlice,  rapidly  increase,  the  material  also 
harbours  other  predatory  vermin.  All  brickwork  may  be  scalded  and 
brushed  with  hot  limewash,  tbe  wood  and  ironwork  thoroughly  cleansed 
with  soap  and  water,  asing  a  brush,  keeping  tbe  soapy  water  as  much 
as  possible  from  tbe  glass,  which  should  be  cleansed  inside  and  outside 
with  water  only.  If  necessary  the  wood  and  ironwork  may  be  painted, 
and  the  roof  made  as  watertight  as  possible.  Beds  that  are  chambered, 
having  hot-water  pipes  roVered  with  elate  or  other  material,  are  much 
in  advance  of  these  surrounded  or  passing  through  beds  of  rubble. 
Those  composed  of  tbe  laiter  should  be  turned  over,  and  any  dirt  or 
small  p^rts  removed  to  allow  the  heat  given  off  by  tbe  hot-water  pipes  to 
penetrate  evenly  through  the  whole  to  the  bed.  Provide  fresh  tan  in 
other  eases,  and  if  wet  turn  it  occasionally  on  fine  sunny  days.  With 
hot-water  pipes  beneath  about  3  feet  depth  of  tan  is  ample,  more  will  be 
needed  where  such  aid  is  not  obtained. 
Potting. — Suckers  started  in  June  will  soon  have  filled  their  pots 
with  roots,  and  must  he  shifted  into  a  larger  size  before  the  roots  become 
closely  matted  together.  Queens  should  have  9  to  10-inch  pots,  and 
those  of  stronger  growth  11-inch  pots.  Water  the  plants  immediately 
after  potting,  and  plunge  them  in  a  bed  having  a  temperature  of  90°  to 
95°.  There  is  no  greater  mistake  in  growing  Pines  than  crowding 
young  plants,  as  they  become  drawn  and  weakly  instead  of  having  a 
sturdy  base.  Attend  to  the  bottom  heat  of  beds  that  have  been 
recently  disturbed  or  upset  by  the  removal  or  replacing  of  plants,  not 
allowing  the  heat  to  exceed  90°  at  the  base  of  tbe  pots  without  imme¬ 
diately  raising  them,  as  too  much  heat  will  disastrously  affect  Pines  in 
fruit  or  those  having  tbe  pots  filled  with  roots. 
Examine  the  plants  for  watering  about  twice  a  week,  and  maintain 
a  moist,  genial,  well-ventilated  atmosphere.  The  climatic  conditions  are 
now  so  favourable  that  Pine  plants  grow  vigorously  ;  therefore  discon¬ 
tinue  sbadine.  admitting  air  plentifully  when  tbe  temperature  ranges 
from  85°  to  95",  affording  fruitiner  plants  a  night  temperature  of  70°  to 
75°,  and  to  succession  65°  to  70°  at  night.  Reserve,  if  possible,  more 
suckers  for  starting  at  the  commencement  of  September, 
THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 
Globe  Artlcbokes. — Plants  that  are  pushing  up  late  flowering 
growths  will  be  assisted  by  thorough  soakings  of  liquid  manure,  and 
the  heads  will  then  form  a  very  acceptable  dish  in  many  establishments 
at  a  time  of  year  when  variety  is  most  desirable.  Old  flower  stems 
ought  to  be  cut  down  according  as  they  are  cleared  of  heads,  their  longer 
retention  having  a  weakening  effect  upon  the  plants.  Seedlings  are 
now  sufficiently  advanced  to  be  selected  from.  Only  the  very  best 
forms  or  those  with  stout  flower  heads  and  succulent  scales  should  be 
saved,  those  much  branching,  with  small  heads  and  thin,  prickly  scales, 
not  being  worth  garden  room. 
liettuce. — A  late  autumn  supply  of  Lettuce  may  be  found  accept¬ 
able  for  mixing  with  Endive  in  the  salad  bowl.  A  warm  border  should 
be  chosen  for  this  late  crop,  sowing  the  seed  thinly  in  shallow  drills 
9  inches  to  12  inches  apart.  With  Cos  varieties  also  sow  All  the  Year 
Round,  Commodore  Nutt,  Golden  Queen,  and  Early  Paris  Market 
Cabbage  varieties,  and  if  all  do  not  heart  in,  tbe  early  varieties  will  most 
probably  do  so.  A  good  breadth  of  border  should  be  sown  ;  no  trans¬ 
planting  will  then  be  necessary,  and  if  arranged  where  the  Lettuce  can 
be  conveniently  protected  by  frames  so  much  the  better. 
IMCusbrooms. — Open-air  beds  formed  now  with  well-prepared 
manure  and  duly  spawned  should  be  producing  Mushrooms  early  in 
