1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 271 



Nectarines, and 6 inches for Plums. Though the latter are often left 

 much closer, it is at the expense of flavour, colour, and size of fruit. 

 Pears should also be thinned, as, when too heavy for the amount of 

 foliage, gritty tasteless fruit only is produced. Thinning of shoots 

 should be proceeded with gradually, stopping those (even if in their 

 right position) which are taking the lead : every shoot coming out 

 straight from the wall should be taken off. Syringe freely with water, 

 and if insects of any kind attack the foliage, Hellebore powder and a 

 little soft soap in the water will keep them in check. We have lately 

 used Clarke's insect-destroyer (at the rate of 2 oz. to the gallon) with 

 the best results on Peaches and Roses. It is a cleanly thing, and 

 certain death to whatever insect it comes in contact with. If dry 

 weather set in, fruit-trees which have been lately planted may require 

 a soaking of water. Thinning judiciously the shoots of Currants and 

 Gooseberries would not be labour lost when fine fruit is required. 



Ranunculus in flower may be shaded, where a fine display of these 

 pretty flowers is kept up. Annuals may be sown and planted out to 

 keep up a succession of these. Thin those requiring it. Bulbs, such 

 as Hyacinths, Narcissus, Tulips, &c. (which are often allowed to re- 

 main in the ground all the season), are the better of being taken up 

 and kept in dry quarters till they are wanted. Keep Auriculas from 

 rain, and allow them to remain shaded from strong sun till the bloom- 

 ing period is past. Decayed flowers and seed-pods, except when seed 

 is wanted, should be kept picked off. Where seed is saved, it should 

 only be taken from the best kinds, and all inferior flowers destroyed 

 or kept from flowering near selected kinds. It is often from this 

 cause that there is so much confusion with sorts, as they become 

 crossed and entirely changed in character. Pinks, Carnations, &c., 

 should now be tied up neatly. Many kinds of herbaceous plants 

 may require reducing, though this should have been attended to when 

 digging was going on : it would be better to do it yet, rather than let 

 the plants smother themselves. Phloxes, Hollyhocks, Dahlias, newly 

 planted out, and all similar plants requiring stakes, should have it 

 done effectuall}^ at once. Roses, to keep them free from grubs and 

 other pests, require to be looked over frequently : hand-picking is 

 the only effectual method of keeping grubs from destroying the hearts 

 of the flowers. They curl themselves up in the leaves near the buds, 

 and feed away at pleasure. Budding of Roses may be performed as 

 soon as the wood is fit, and buds can be secured. When the bark will 

 readily peel off, the wood is in order. Cut off the bud with a leaf, and 

 half an inch of bark, or more, very thinly. Cut a slit an inch long 

 where the bud is to be placed, which should be as close to the stock 

 as possible. Cut a cross, the slit forming a cross. With a budding- 



