62 THE GARDENER. [Feb. 



cutting tlieir points, which, in all probability, will be the case. In 

 training a fan-tree, our object is to get the wood as evenly disiDersed 

 all over the tree as possible, so that when the branches, by running at 

 different angles, exceed 12 inches between each other, we cut so as to 

 get a young branch to fill up the vacancy, "We still continue the prun- 

 ing as before, with regard to the centre and side shoots, until we have 

 as many branches as will fill up the wall — never, however, topping any 

 branch after it has reached its permanent position, unless the wood is 

 either soft or watery or unripe, in which case we reduce the branch 

 until we get good sound wood. The superfluous wood which is made 

 in summer we pinch as before directed, and in v/inter cut back to 

 about 1 inch, which is left, and will, in the course of time, form a 

 fruit-bearing spur, if, in after-pruning, each shoot it may throw out 

 is cut back to about one eye. Root-pruning we would earnestly 

 recommend every second year, until the tree get into a good bearing 

 condition, after which it may not require to be done again for five or 

 six years. By continuing, however, to root-prune at intervals of five 

 or six years, the tree will keep more vigorous, bear better, and give 

 more satisfaction than if left entirely undisturbed. 



James ]\I'Millan. 



{To he continued.) 



JOTTINGS ON THE TULIP. 



No. I. 



" The Tulip next appeared, all over gay, 

 But wanton, full of pride, and full of play. 

 The world can't show a dye but here has place — 

 Kay, by new mixtures she can change her face. 

 Purple and gold are both beneath her care, 

 The richest needlework she loves to wear ; 

 Her only study is to please the eye, 

 And to outshine the rest in finery." 



So sang the poet Cowley ; and though not very poetical, he is never- 

 theless very truthful and correct in his description of this beautiful 

 flower. A bed of Tulips, in their full beauty in the month of May, 

 bears out in an eminent degree the impression of the poet's song, and 

 leaves lasting recollections of splendour and gracefulness on the mind 

 of their devoted and fortunate possessor. With a very different eye 

 to the poet does the careful and attentive grower look upon his pets. 

 He repudiates the idea of gaudiness and finery altogether, insinuated 

 by the poet's description of his choicest treasures. Gay they certainly 



