172 THE GARDENER. [April 



trees have shown what fruit they are to bear for first crop, a little 

 pruning may be done, gradually cutting back long shoots, and other- 

 wise regulating the tree. It is an easy system of training Figs as 

 Pears are generally done, allowing shoots to run from top to bottom, 

 training the side-shoots right and left, and topping each young shoot at 

 fourth or fifth leaf, training to the wall what is required, and cutting 

 clean olf what are not wanted. Under glass we allow the trees to 

 have more of their own way ; however, spurring so far as we can. 

 When too gross, we either lift the half of the roots or cut some of 

 them in, doing it wholly by degrees if necessary. When there is 

 plenty of fibre any quantity of "feeding," almost, might be given. 

 When the long leading shoots do not break freely we cut a notch 

 half through the wood above each joint, and a string of sturdy shoots 

 soon make their appearance. It may not be out of place, by way of a 

 " reminder," to say that any grafting that is to be done must be seen 

 to at once. The shoots, though they have their ends in the ground, 

 will soon shrivel. It is unnecessary to go into details here, taking 

 up valuable space, as everything in connection with grafting, &c., is 

 minutely given in the ' Gardener.' 



Tender annuals, such as Asters, Marigolds, &c., should be sown in 

 a frame with a very gentle heat, covering them lightly with fine soil. 

 If the beds of any kinds are made up with leaves, slugs may be 

 troublesome ; dusting of lime over the surface before the soil is placed 

 will help to keep them down. Red-lead and hellebore powder we use 

 freely for slugs, as well as to prevent woodlice eating young plants ; we 

 have had them in thousands this season, devouring young Cucumber 

 plants. Verbena cuttings, &c. Among other traps, flat pans of treacle 

 have caught many. Small flower-pots stuffed with hay and dipped in 

 boiling water has also thinned their numbers. Red-lead, soot, lime, and 

 hellebore powder, laid down the sides of frames, make their quarters 

 uncomfortable. We would suppose syringing plants with Clark's insect- 

 destroyer w^ould be a preventive. Spring flowering bulbs will require 

 attention. Hyacinths in flower, and Tulips coming in early, will re- 

 quire protection from frost and rain, and to be shaded from sun ; stir every 

 surface, breaking all lumps, and gently press the soil round the collars 

 of the plants. Sweet Williams, Polyanthuses, Rockets, Hollyhocks, and 

 others of the more hardy kinds of plants, may be planted out where 

 they are to remain. Auriculas will now be near their blooming period ; 

 they will require shading from sunshine, and to be kept protected from 

 heavy rains, with abundance of air, but no check from any cause should 

 be permitted. Carnations and Picotees may now be potted in good- 

 sized pots, using plenty of drainage, and the healthy soil prepared 

 as formerly advised ; press it gently round the ball, and water 



