Cucumbers.--Keep them tied in as they grow; stop the side-shoots at the
second joint; allow the leader to grow to the required length before
stopping it; and pinch off the young fruit if you think they are not
sufficiently strong to carry a crop.
Peaches.--Prune and dress the trees as soon as they lose their leaves.
If the lights are still off any of the early houses the sooner they are
put on the better. An abundance of air to be given.
Pines.--The temperature of the fruit-swelling plants to range from 60
deg. to 65 deg. at night, with an increase during the day in accordance
with the state of the weather, whether bright and sunny, or rainy,
foggy, or frosty; and the succession plants a few degrees less. Humidity
to be considerably reduced, as it tends at this season to produce weak
and immature growth. The bark-beds of strong succession plants that
are required to start into fruit early, to be renewed by having a small
quantity added to the surface of the bed. Pits heated by dung will
require covering with mats at night: when covered let every other light
be slightly raised, to allow the steam to pass off. When the covering is
off it will escape through the laps of the glass. Take advantage of all
opportunities for giving a little air. If it can be done every day, so
much the better for the health of the plants.
Vines.--The Vines in late houses that will not require to be pruned for
some time should have the tops or other portions of the immature wood
cut off, to give strength and plumpness to the back eyes. If the houses
are dry, kept free from drip, and the scissors employed amongst decaying
berries, the fruit that now remains will be in a good condition for
holding on for a long time.