Figs.--If the nights are cold, the house or pit should be closed early,
for the benefit of the second crop of fruit.
Melons.--Withhold water when the fruit is ripening, as a sudden supply
at that time very frequently causes the fruit to crack and become
worthless. Keep the shoots so thin that every leaf may receive the
benefit of the light. Do not expose the fruit to the sun's rays till it
is fully swelled. Give a supply of manure water to the late crops, and
thin out useless laterals. It is advisable to paint the interior of the
frame, or pit, with sulphur: this, with slight syringings and shutting
up early while the sun shines upon it, will keep down insects.
Mushrooms.--Collect some very short stable-litter and horse-droppings,
and turn them over frequently with the addition of a small portion of
turfy loam until they are well incorporated. When moderately dry, to be
packed on shelves or in boxes, and be well-beaten down in layers four or
five inches thick, till the bed is the required thickness--from a foot
to eighteen inches; for success will depend in a great measure upon the
solidity of the bed. To be spawned when there is a brisk heat.
Pines.--If a strong body of fresh materials have recently been added,
the watch-sticks should be frequently examined, and any approach to a
burning heat to be counteracted by lifting the pots, &c. Fruit recently
started and swelling off to have every encouragement for the next two
months. Shut up early, to secure a strong amount of solar heat. Keep all
the growing stock warm and moist, syringing them lightly twice a-day.
Vines.--The early-forced houses, where the wood is nearly ripe, would be
benefited by free exposure to the air; but if the lights are required to
remain on, cleanliness should be observed, and all laterals kept down.
When the fruit is swelling or colouring, and when the weather is wet
or cloudy, a gentle fire, if then applied, will expel damps, and be in
other respects very beneficial to them. Stop all useless growths in the
late houses; do not remove the leaves to expose the fruit to the sun,
unless they are very thick indeed, as they are the principal agents by
which nutriment is carried to the berries.
Vines in Pots.--When the leaves begin to fade, to be removed to the
north side of a wall, and the pots to be laid on their sides, to keep
the roots dry. A little litter thrown over the pots will protect them
from sudden changes.