432 



FOBEST WOBK FOB THE MONTE. [Aphii., 



E N G L A. N D , 



kHE weather during this month is very uncertain, but often 

 results in alternate showers and sunshine, with occasional 

 sudden changes of temperature following a genially warm 

 day by a sharp nip of frost at night. The average rainfall is about 

 II inches, and the evaporation about 2| inches. Last year the rain- 

 fall registered at Greenwich was 1-69 inches, while at Chewton 

 Priory, on Mendip, it was only -QG-inch, both below the average of 

 the preceding ten years. 



Orchard. — Examine recently-planted fruit trees, and in cases 

 where they have loosened by the winds, stir the surface lightly and 

 work the soil close to the stem. Desist from cutting off large 

 branches at this season, as such an operation would be highly pre- 

 judicial to the health of the tree. 



Fences. — Planting live fences of every kind should be completed 

 by this time ; but where some of this work has still to be done, extra 

 care is necessary to ensure anything like success, and copious 

 watering may be necessary after planting. Hoe and clear weeds 

 from all young hedges, and do the same as often as necessary during 

 the summer. The absence of weeds admits a free circulation of 

 air, and frequent stirring of the soil accelerates the growth of the 

 plants. 



Woods. — Forest planting should also be finished by this time. 

 Examine newly-formed plantations, and set up loose plants, 

 trampling the earth firmly around them to maintain them in an 

 upright position. 



