1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 33 



ever weather is suitable. Tlie advice given for these operations, for 

 tlie last two months, applies to this and next month. 



Fruit-trees, whether on walls or standards, if covered with moss, should 

 be gone over with a piece of hoop or similar instrument, and all the 

 bark cleaned, but care taken not to injure it. Lime-wash may then be 

 applied, which will destroy moss and insects ; or lime dusted on after 

 rain will save time. The same application may be of great service to 

 Gooseberries and Currants. Some take away the soil round the collars 

 of the bushes annually, and replace it with fresh earth, to prevent the 

 ravages of caterpillar. "\Ye use a mulching of decayed manure after 

 scraping away the soil, and cover it over with a little clean soil. The 

 roots should not be interfered with in process of digging. Trees on 

 walls which may be infested with Scale should be well scraped, and a 

 washing of Gishurst's Compound given, about 4 oz. to the gallon of 

 water. All other necessary work connected with hardy fruit-trees left 

 undone should be attended to when weather is fine, as formerly ad- 

 vised. Train Raspberries either to stakes by tying them upright, or 

 in rows 8 inches or so apart. Keep them about 4 or 5 feet high, 

 according to strength. Clear all suckers away, and plant up blanks, or 

 make fresh plantations in deep, rich, cool soil. Rasps do well with 

 plenty of mulching. Wires fastened in lines to upright stakes make 

 neat training-fences. 



Shrubs planted in autumn, and not already mulched with decayed 

 leaves, short, half-rotten manure, or similar material, should be attended 

 to now ; this keeps out frost in winter, and drought in summer. Earth 

 placed over the mulching will make all look tidy. Turf -laying and all 

 other improvements should be done whenever weather permits. If 

 heavy falls of snow occur, Conifera and other vaulable trees will 

 require to be shaken clear so far as can be done. Many trees are 

 ruined from not being looked to in time, as they soon break down 

 under their load of snow. All bulbs require some kind of protection 

 from frost, which saves the flowers. In cold pits, frames, or green- 

 houses, little can be done at present further than attending to cleanli- 

 ness, keeping everything as dry as possible ; not allowing any plant 

 to suffer at the root, however, but giving enough water, when necessary, 

 to moisten the whole ball. Fresh air, and keeping these structures 

 cool, is greatly in their favour ; keeping out frost and cutting winds, 

 however. Those who only have windows can only move them away 

 when frosty, and place them in the light and air when weather is 

 fine. Pinks, Auriculas, and similar plants under protection, require to 

 be kept very dry, and have abundance of fresh air. No damp among 

 them should be allowed. Stir the surfaces of the pots. Keep worms 

 out. Coal-ashes make a good bottom for standing them on. Pinks 



c 



