Cucumbers.--No diminution of heat to be allowed after the plants are
ridged out and in action.
Peaches.--It is becoming very much the fashion to have Peach and some
other sorts of fruit trees which are wanted for early forcing in pots,
and the plan is so far good, that it affords the advantage of being able
to give the roots a mild, regular bottom heat, which is of the greatest
importance in early forcing. Those who have good established trees, in
pots, may now start them in a moderate heat. Air to be given liberally
in favourable weather, and the syringe to be used freely over them
morning and evening. The surface soil to be stirred up and kept open,
and a supply of manure water to be given previous to starting them. The
trees in the late houses to receive whatever pruning is necessary, and
to be cleansed of every particle of scale, and afterwards washed with a
composition of soft soap and sulphur. All bast ties and insect-haunts to
be carefully removed.
Pines.--During the continuance of severe weather, dry fern, straw, &c.,
will be necessary, in addition to mats; such coverings will be of more
service than maintaining strong fires to keep up the temperature. When
a supply of fruit is required throughout the year, it is sometimes
necessary, at this season, to subject some of the plants to a high
temperature to start them into fruit. A few of such as are most likely
to fruit soon, to be put into a pit, or house, by themselves, where a
temperature of from 60 deg. to 65 deg. by night, and from 70 deg. to 75
deg. by day, with about 80 deg. of bottom heat, will be the most certain
treatment for starting them into fruit. The other plants can then be
supplied with a moderate temperature until the beginning of February;
by such treatment a succession of fruit will be prolonged. Do not suffer
the linings of dung-beds to decline, keep up, if possible, a temperature
of 50 deg. at night, and 60 deg. by day, with a little air at every
favourable opportunity.
Potatoes.--Plant some sound, whole sets, singly, in
three-and-a-half-inch pots, to be placed at the back of a Pine-pit, or
in any other place where there is some heat, they will, in due time, be
useful for planting out in the exhausted Asparagus-frames or pits.
Raspberries.--When a few early dishes would be considered a treat,
if some canes are taken up and planted in any vacant spot in the
Peach-house, they will be found to bear fruit abundantly with common
care. It is a more certain method of obtaining fruit than by potting
them.
Vines.--When started and until the buds are fairly broken, endeavour to
keep the points of the shoots nearly on a level with the lowest part of
the Vine, and if that should not be found sufficient to induce the buds
to start regularly throughout the whole length of the Vine, the rod
should be bent so as to bring the most forward buds to the lowest level,
and elevating those that are backward. A moist atmosphere to be kept up
by sprinkling the floor and paths, and by syringing the Vines lightly
every morning and evening until the leaves begin to appear, when the
supply of moisture will not be so much required. Introduce a lot in pots
to some house, pit, or frame prepared with leaves or manure, if not done
as advised last week. At first, Vines in pots are most useful for early
work, as they, in many places, save the established Vines in houses,
from the hazardous operation of early excitement. Increase the
temperature slightly when the buds are beginning to swell, or are
starting a little. The fermenting material in the house to be stirred up
occasionally. This fermenting material should, if possible, consist of
a large proportion of leaves mixed with the dung, to prevent the steam
from the latter discolouring the rafters and sashes; and if the vapour
is likely to be too strong, a thin covering of sawdust or old tan will
prevent any injurious effects. If the roots are outside the house, and
had been covered before the commencement of frost, as advised, some more
dung and leaves should be added to keep up a genial heat in the border,
the good effects of which will be soon evident in the progress of the
Vines inside. When the Grapes are all cut in the late houses, the Vines
to be pruned immediately, and the cuts to be covered with white lead.