Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1870-07-07
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FRUIT cuLTu r E.
No. a..
BY JOSIAH HOPES.

can very well recollect when glass struc-
lures, for forcing fruit, were almost univer- |
sally considered extravagant and unneces-
sary Injuries; and also. when such houses |
were confined exclusively to the wealthy
needing the practiced hand. and experienced |
head of an IMPORTED GARDENER obtainable |
only at a high salary. Now, how great the |
change. Why, can enumerate these build
ings by hundreds, and they are not confined |
to the afilue1t, by any means, but on the |
contrary. owned and tended by plain practi-
cal farmers and others, whose interest in |
the work is yearly enhanced, as they be-
come fully acquainted with the proper me-
thods of culture.
Neither are glass structures intended sole |
ly for obtaining expensive dainties. When |
managed properly they have been made |
highly remunerative, and whether treated |
artifcially, or only used as "cold- houses"
the profits accruing from the fruits, have
paid we'll. | have therefore thought the |
subject of sufficient importance to prepare
paper, rough and elementary, it is true,
but nevertheless of such character as will |
perhaps explain the essentials of forcing, and |
coldhouses for growing fruits under glass.
Those of my readers who desire costly |
structure, one which will combine artistic |
adornment with all the conveniences and |
modern improvements, as well as unlimited |
in regard to price, had best consult some of
the valuable treatises upon the subject, or
employ an architect versed in such matters.
Presuming that there is muce larger class
of pomologists who desire to reap some pc
cuniary benefit from their labors in this di-
rection, shall commence by asserting that
very little more capital is needed than for
erecting good substantial shed. would
suggest that the style termed "lean-to,"
is best adapted to the purpose, and proper
situation, the south side of some building
gaining thus the back of the house without
further expense. 1t may be made OF any
length desired, but thirty feet is ample for a.
medium-sized family, calculating about four
feet to vine. The width may be twelve
feet; the back ten feet in height; and the
front two feet. Having decided upon the
proportions, and bearing in mind that cneap-
ness is the object in view, we would prepare
good, stout locust, cedar or chestnut posts,
row along the back. and the same on the
front, planting them in the ground say two
feet deep. If the object is not to force the
fruit early, it will be merely necessary to
weather board the front and sides tightly,
and place well seasoned pine stills on the
posts, as res's for t4e ends of the rafters.
90 far the cost has been trfllng, and now
for the more expensive part Of our build
ings.
The old method was to use strong rafters
by inches, and then prepare, at conside-
rable cost, neatly planed and painted sashes;
but we propose to do away with this need
less expense, and make the whole roof a
fixture. Any modern planning mill will do
the planning, ripping, and growing, both
cheaply and suitably, so that we have stats
prepared inches wide, and / inches thick,
q inch will answer, but prefer the n stout.
err, wit one edge worked in the same man
ner as sash bar (mulion.)
These stats are nailed securely, both at
top and bottom, and painted with mineral
paint, to protect the wood, prevent warp
ing, and impart neat appearance to the
house.
The roof is then ready for glazing, but for
purposes of ventilation, we would leave
about one foot in width, along the entire
top of the house, to be covered with boards.
In this must be openings with tightly fitting
shutters, which will raise and lever, to give
air when needed.
Some prefer ventiators also in the font
OF their houses, but these require such care
ful attention on account of such cold
draughts of air through the house, that most
good gardeners now discard them. A door
in one end placed close to the back wall, will
be necessary. and the walk inside must be
straight to the opposite end, which will be
ample for visitors, wishing simply to inspect
the contents. For wineries, am strong
advocate for outside borders, believing that
in time all the roots which have been grow
ing inside during the vines earlier stages.
will die, at least have noticed the fact in
many cases.
also disapprove Of the complex and very
particular recipes formerly in vogue by old
vine growers, in the matter of preparing
composts. Now as any extensive formula is
entirely unnecessary, ! would simply rec
ommend stirring the soil deeply, and incor
porating therein good well-rotted manure
and broken bones. OF course, a suitable
situation naturally, is great desideratum
and no one we think would plant vines in 0
stiff retentive soil from choice; but if sucl
has to be, then draining must be resorted to-
The vines may be planted outside, and the
canes brought in under the front boards
ANY blacksmith can make the requisites o.
trellis for supporting the vines. All thai
is really necessary will be stout spikes, abou
foot in length, with an eye at the large,
end of sufficient size to allow the wire IL
pass through, and the lower ends flattenef
and sharpened for driving into our sash
rafters
Commencing at one end Of our house
drive row in the first rafter, about two fee
apart, and then at distance Of five or 4,
feet place second row, and so on TO III,
the further end. Tie wires (anueaed
drawn very tightly by means of pincrrs
must be securely fastened al either end nm,
the trellis isthen ready for the vines Willis
the latter are young, row may he plan,e,
along the back wall, but in time these mus
come away, owing to the shade they viii
receive from the others. The first year al
low one strong cane to grow to tile ton a
the house, and then pinch of the end II
the Autumn when tlc wood has rpened
and the leaves have fallen, cut back to abou
three feet in length, and wash with soft soa,
and sulphur. TO kill insects and destroy epxs
Wrap the cane in straw, thinly, and Law i
down on the ground, close along the from
of the house. Place thin board shutters
straw, or mats, over the glass; and the worl
for the first season is finished. The secon,
year lateral branches will push out from tn
buds, and the terminal one must be alowe.
to grow to the top of the louse hcfore cto,,