216 THE GARDENER. [May 



the shoots thin and pinching out the tops of Cucumbers above the 

 fruit. They should not be allowed to bear too many. Melons should 

 be set all at one time, keeping the structure dry and airy till the fruit 

 is like hen's eggs ; then give a good watering (at a temperature of 80°) 

 all over the bed, keeping the collars of the plants dry. Keep linings 

 well made up, to keep up the temperature at night from G5^ to 70''. 

 Some allow it much higher, but they do well at 70°. 



Fruit-trees will require to be disbudded as formerly advised, but 

 doing it only by degrees, and not suddenly exposing the fruit, which 

 might cause much dropping off. Stop gross-growing shoots, or take 

 them off if they can be spared. Use the engine or syringe freely to 

 keep the foliage clean and healthy. When the fruit is swelling and 

 the leaves firm, the whole of the under sides of them can be sprinkled 

 with water in which 2 oz. of hellebore powder to the gallon has been 

 mixed. A little soft-soap mixed with it will cause it to stick better. A 

 pipe syringe, with the finger pressed on it so that the liquid comes out 

 as spray, prevents it from running off. We use this extensively and 

 with great success for wall-trees, as well as gooseberry and other fruit 

 bushes, for the prevention of caterpillar, &c. Fruit-trees lately planted 

 may require a good soaking of water, and some dry soil thrown over 

 the surface of the roots to prevent evaporation. Better to give plenty 

 of water and have done with it, than frequent dribblings, which only 

 keep the soil cool and prevent free growth. 



All shrubs lately planted require at least one good soaking — mulch- 

 ing them is also of great service. Keeping them from being blown 

 about by wind is indispensable to their wellbeing ; stakes and ropes 

 at equal distances, all round large trees, are the most secure method 

 we adopt. Many large Hollies, Rhododendrons, Yews, Boxes, and 

 Pinuses, are doing well with us, which were lifted during the past 

 season, and have only had one thorough watering ; but a heavy mulch- 

 ing of rotten leafy manure was given immediately afterwards. One 

 large Holly 40 feet high, lifted from a rocky piece of ground with a 

 small ball, but with well-cared-for roots, had a cartload of mulching; 

 to itself, and two men carried water to the roots for an hour. The 

 tree is pushing into fresh growth as if it had never been moved. 



Lawns and w^alks require close attention to keep them in good order. 

 Mowing frequently, and rolling after showers, will keep this part of 

 the grounds in good condition. A watering with guano-water, at the 

 rate of a small handful to 3 gallons, will aid grass which has been lately 

 sown. Dustings of guano in showery weather will help it on. 



All plants for decoration outside should now be gradually hardened, 

 by exposing them to light and air when weather will permit. Such 

 plants as Pansies, Cerastium, Variegated Dactylis, and other hardy 



