Cherries.--If all the petals have dropped, and the fruit is set, the
temperature may be raised to 60 deg. by day and 50 deg. by night, and
syringed in the evening three or four times during the week. A sharp
look out should be kept for curled leaves, and the grubs that nestle in
them destroyed.
Figs.--If the fruit is swelling off, supply the trees liberally with
water; stop the young shoots at the fourth or fifth eye. Temperature, 65
deg. by day and 55 deg. by night.
Melons.--The supply of air and water must be regulated by the state of
the weather and the temperature of the bed. The plants sometimes show
one or two fruit at an early period of their growth, which should be
picked off, as they would prevent the swelling off of others. The vines,
or shoots, after being frequently stopped, and when they have nearly
filled the frame, or other allotted space, several fruit should be
impregnated at one time. Sow for successional crop.
Peaches and Nectarines.--Pinch off laterals, and tie in the shoots as
they advance in growth. If green fly makes its appearance, fumigate the
house; but if only a few shoots are infested, dip them in tobacco water.
When the fruit in the early house are stoned, thin them to the number
you wish to retain, and use a pair of scissors, which is better than
pulling them off.
Pine Apples.--The plants should now be making rapid growth, and,
therefore, will require a liberal supply of water. Fruiting plants may
now be turned out of their pots into prepared beds, selecting those that
are not very forward. The fruiting-house may range from 80 deg. to 85
deg. during day, and from 65 deg. to 70 deg. at night. The successions
from 75 deg. to 80 deg. by day, and from 65 deg. to 70 deg. at night.
Strawberries.--When out of bloom, give them a liberal supply of water,
syringe freely, and keep down insects by fumigation.
Vines.--If forcing were begun early in December, whether with Vines
in pots or established vines, the colouring process will have now
commenced. When such is the case, admit air freely on all favourable
opportunities; but avoid draughts, or cutting winds, which frequently
cause rust and other imperfections in the bunches. In the later houses,
attend to thinning, tying, and stopping laterals. The last house to
be closed early in the afternoon. As the buds, in most cases, will be
considerably advanced, it is advisable to syringe frequently; to
apply plenty of moisture to the floors and paths; and to postpone the
application of fire-heat as long as possible.