Figs.--If any are growing against the back wall of a vinery, or other
such structure, it may be advisable to give them a good soaking of
water, and but very little, if any, after--as a dry atmosphere is
necessary to ripen the fruit.
Melons.--Continue to supply them with bottom heat. If they are growing
in pits or frames, keep the linings well topped up or renewed, to
produce a comfortable heat inside; for without it canker is apt to set
in and destroy the plants.
Mushrooms.--In making beds for these on shelves, or in boxes, as
recommended a fortnight ago, or on the floor, let the whole mass be made
very firm by well-beating it as it is put on in layers. It is advisable
when the spawn is put in to cover it with good, strong, fresh loam
at least from two to three inches thick, and to make it as firm as
possible. The Mushrooms will come stronger and of much better quality
than if partly-exhausted soil is used.
Pines.--If the winter fruit have finished blossoming, supply them
occasionally with clear liquid manure when they want water. The growth
of the crown to be checked, and all useless suckers, gills, &c., to
be removed. When a house or pit is devoted to late Pines alone, an
abundance of moisture should be supplied. Give abundance of air to the
young stock in dungpits, and increase the dryness of the atmosphere,
to induce maturity of growth and a hardy constitution against winter.
Shift, if not already done, succession plants into larger pots. Any
plants recently potted to be shaded during bright sunshine, sprinkled
overhead every afternoon, and the house closed early. The sprinkling
will be sufficient without watering at the root until the plants begin
to grow.
Vineries.--Continue to secure a dry state of the atmosphere when the
ripe fruit is intended to hang for any length of time, using a little
fire heat when necessary to dispel damp. To ripen the fruit in late
vineries, it is frequently necessary to use fire heat, but more
especially when the external temperature ranges below 50 deg..