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Forcing (This is one of the most)

This is one of the most important operations in the whole routine of gardening, and one that requires the greatest care in practice for obtaining successful results. It has to be mainly conducted throughout the winter and early spring, when outside temperatures are extremely variable, and when the amount of sunshine and consequent light obtained is, at best, but very limited. Forced flowers, fruits, and vegetables, are annually in demand, and all have to be procured under conditions that are generally unnatural to the plants at the time, in consequence of an insufficient season of rest being allowed them. Fruit-trees carefully forced in successive seasons, and properly ripened after the fruit is gathered, finish their growth, and begin a season of rest, earlier than those allowed to grow more in accordance with their natural habit. These start the more readily, in consequence, when artificial heat is applied. Many flowering plants are so far injured by early Forcing, as to be unavailable for the purpose the following year; but they may generally be recruited in health, in the course of two seasons, by planting out, and, in the meantime, using others that have been prepared in a similar way. The preparation of plants for Forcing, or selection of those only which are thoroughly ripened, is always one of the most important points. A fruit-tree, or flowering plant, thus treated will have its embryo flowers formed inside the bud-scales, and ready for expanding when the necessary heat and moisture are given. In the early stages of Forcing operations, heat should be applied as gradually as possible, beginning with a little warmer, closer atmosphere than that allowed during the resting period. A temperature not exceeding 50deg. to 55deg. by artificial heat will suit a large number of plants to start with, but these figures must not be taken as applying to all alike--they would be too high. Most plants subjected to Forcing will bear more heat after the buds swell and commence growing, than they will previously. The value of sunshine and light cannot be over-estimated; consequently, both should be admitted to the fullest extent in winter, when the sun will seldom be strong enough to injure the tenderest foliage. It is not advisable to apply heat, when the weather is dull, to maintain a temperature equal to that supplied naturally on brighter days, as the result would be an encouragement of weak, attenuated growths, which, with a return of sun, or an admission of air, would immediately droop. Very early Forcing renders many plants and vegetables useless afterwards, and this necessitates an annual supply being raised for the purpose. Almost any positions in heated structures may be utilised for such, as, once the crop is secured, in the case of either flowers or vegetables, the roots may be destroyed, and their place taken by others. Vines, and fruit or other permanent trees, are of much more consequence; hence, the greatest care is necessary, in Forcing, not only to conduct it so as to gain a crop the following season, but also to avoid doing anything that may prove injurious to the well-being of the trees afterwards. A ridge of fermenting material, composed of fresh stable litter and plenty of leaves, is frequently used, with good results, for starting early Vines or Peach-trees. It requires to be often turned and renewed, in order to keep the requisite temperature, which, supplied in this way, contains much more moisture than would be procurable with the aid of fire heat. The hot-water pipes must, however, be available for use as well at any time required.