Continue to make fresh beds as formerly directed, and prepare fresh
material for successional ones. To ensure success it is advisable never
to allow the manure to be put together in a dry state, nor to get too
far exhausted, but in that medium state when the strong fermentation has
passed off, and a moderate heat is likely to remain in it for some time.
The temperature to be kept from 60 deg. to 65 deg., with the admission
of air for several hours daily.
Cherries.--Whether they are in pots or in borders, and have arrived at,
or are only approaching, a comparatively dormant state when but little
attention will be necessary, still that little will be required to keep
them clear of insects and of the leaves as they become sufficiently
ripe, when they come readily off with a touch. The old surface of the
soil of those grown in pots to be removed, and the same quantity of
fresh, in a rough state, put in its place. Remove them without further
delay, if not already done, as advised in the early part of the month,
to the north side of a wall or hedge until wanted; or if not wanted
until a sharp frost sets in, they should be protected from its icy
grasp.
Figs.--Trees in pots to be treated as advised for Cherries.
Melons.--Although the weather may have been favourable for ripening the
late fruit, they will in some places still require the assistance of a
good top and bottom heat, and a large portion of air in the middle of
the day.
Peaches.--Trees in pots to be pruned, and treated as recommended for
Cherries. No time should be lost if fresh trees are to be planted in the
place of any that may be worn out. The choice should be made of young
trees that are in a bearing state, and all the better if they had been
moved last autumn. In pruning the trees, after the leaves have dropped,
be sure not to leave them too crowded; but if the summer pruning, as
frequently advised, have been properly done, but very little, if any,
will be required now. To remove the leaves from the trees in the early
houses it is advisable to shake them daily, and sometimes to brush them
gently with a few pieces of birch-spray tied in a bundle. All foreright
shoots to be removed, and the trees in the late houses kept free from
insects.
Pines.--Persevere in former directions as to general routine management.
Whilst fine weather continues air may be given liberally; and shut up
earlier in the afternoon to secure as much sun heat as possible. Plants
swelling their fruit to be assisted with a brisk temperature, both at
top and bottom, from 65 deg. to 70 deg. at night, allowing it to rise to
80 deg. on sunny days with a steady bottom heat of about 80 deg.. When
watering is necessary let it be given in sufficient quantity to moisten
the whole of the soil. The suckers and crowns that were potted in the
summer months should now be shifted, if they have grown freely; they
should then be plunged in a brisk bottom heat in the succession-house or
pit, from which the plants have been removed, to the fruiting-house. Any
remaining suckers on the old stools to be taken off, potted, and plunged
in a brisk heat in the nursing pit.
Vines.--The early house, or the first lot of Vines in pots, if it is
intended to start them in November or December, to be pruned, that
sufficient time may be allowed to heal up the wounds, and the buds to
become more plump and prominent. The border of the early house to be
thatched with straw, or covered with any other such material, to protect
it from heavy rains. It is also advisable in some situations to cover
the borders of the houses in which it is intended to keep Grapes late,
to prevent the soil getting saturated about the roots. Continue to look
over ripe fruit, cutting out the mouldy or tainted berries; applying
gentle fires only when necessary to expel damps, with a free circulation
of air--as a warm, close atmosphere is as injurious as damp. Where the
long-rod system is adopted, the old shoots should be cut down as soon as
the fruit is gathered; and, whatever system is adopted, if there are any
shoots to remove they should be taken out as soon as they can be spared;
the ends of the remaining shoots, if green, to be cut off. Continue to
pay strict attention to late Grapes, look over them daily, and cut out
every decayed berry.