THE FLORAL WORLD AXD GARDEN GUIDE. 63 



by.pusliing the growth in heat, and carefully ripening the wood, some might be 

 induced to bloom in the second year. 



Is Zixc Injurious to Plants? — T. S. — Hypothetically we might consider 

 zinc poisonous to plants, as the oxide formed on zinc kept moist is certainly 

 poisonous to animals. But jpractically we do not believe plants ever suffer by 

 contact witii zinc. Take one example. The fern case figured in the Flobal 

 WoKLD of January, 1858, is fitted with a zinc pan for the reception of the soil and 

 the plants. Many of the ferns that were then growing in it ai'e in it now ; the 

 soil and the zinc pan remaining as then ; in fact, the same zinc, soil, and ferns 

 have been together for over twelve years, and the state of the ferns at this moment 

 is more than satisfactory ; they are in luxuriant health. A plant of English ivv 

 has been growing in the case about seven years, and is so vigorous that every spring 

 it is freely cut back to keep it within bounds. Other ft^rn cases in use with us 

 have zinc receptacles for soil, and after years of observation we have never known 

 the zinc to prove in any way injurious. We had a set of zinc watering-cans made 

 for the garden some years ago, and they were kept in constant use until they were 

 literally worn out, but we never saw the slightest indication that the plants were 

 injured by this means. As to the policy of using zinc in many instances, we must 

 confess that we doubt it. Cneapness is its only recommendation, and that is not a 

 sound one, for the rapidity v;ith which zinc rots when kept constantly moist renders 

 it otherwise than cheap in the end. We shall certainly never have watering pots 

 made of zinc again, and intend to employ copper coated with tin for large fern 

 cases in future. If you suppose your plants to be poisoned by the use of zinc 

 watering-pot;, your proper course is very plain, and need not be suggested. 



A. B. S. — Your letter on palms has been forwarded to the writer of the article, 

 who, we hope, will have something further to say on the subject next month. 



Lily of the Valley. — Rardy. — The loamy clay, the moist and shady situation, 

 and the suffirient drainage, are just the right conditions for forming a bed of lily of 

 the valley. Plant them a foot apart, two or three roots together or single scraps, 

 and leave them alone for the rest of your days, except to keep away weeds, and 

 every winter put on a sprinkling of good manure, without disturbing a single root. 



Removing Cedru.^; deodatia. — Hardy. — It would have been better had you 

 removed the tree in October, but it may be done now. Have the tree taken up 

 with care, by first opening a trench round it by means of three or four-tined forks 

 (real digging, not pitchforks), lift the roots, and heel the tree over. Do not attempt 

 to lift it with a complete b;ill. When it is in its new position, have the roots care- 

 fully looked over to remove with a clean cut all injured portions, and to spread 

 them out carefully. In filling in take care that soil is thrust into every crevice, 

 and, if possible, use good tough turf or top-spit soil for it, and finish off" so that the 

 collar is somewhat above the general level. Before the last surfacing of earth is 

 put on and the last treading in takes place, give a heavy watering to settle the 

 earth about the roots, and let it so remain for a week ; then finish the job, and 

 stake the tree. The mode in which stakes are put to newly-planted trees is some- 

 times seriously injurious ; a stout stake is thrust down close beside the stem, and 

 the thickest and fleshiest portions of the roots are bruised, and as soon as they 

 recover from that injury the stake begins to decay, and breeds fungus amongst them. 

 Far better is it to put tliree wires attached to pegs driven into the gi'ound at some 

 distance from the tree, or, for temporary support, two or three poles put aslant, and 

 meeting at the stem of the tree, answer perfectly. We shall be glad to hear from 

 you on the subject you propose. 



Polly. — Do not trouble you-^self about the bits of iron in the manure from the 

 farrier's ; they will do no harm, and it is an easy matter to throw' them out as they 

 turn up in digging. Such manure should be quite rotted to powder ere it is fit for 

 any plants in pots. The sale of the Okacle has been so large, that copies could not 

 be suppliei fast enough at first. 



Currants in November. — dt. B. — It is only in cold climates and in cold posi- 

 tions that ripe currants can be kept on the trees ti'l November ; but in many gardens 

 there are borders facing norih where bush fruits of all kinds may be gathered very 

 late in the autumn, and may be kept hanging for somj time after becoming ripe if 

 protected with netting. We have seen beautiful dishes of currants, raspberries, and 

 morello cherries quite fresh and plump, on many occasions, a' exliibitions in 

 November and December. 



