i88i.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 21 



localities can roots be left to themselves with safety and profitable- 

 ness. If trees on walls and elsewhere have to be planted now, choose 

 a period free from frost, lay the roots out into wholesome loam with 

 extra care, and finish by mulching well. Pruning, training, staking, clear- 

 ing trees of moss, &c., washing them with lime and soot mixed, stimu- 

 lating old trees with fresh rich surface-soil after clearing off that which 

 may be sour or inert, are some of the more pressing operations at pres- 

 ent. When training where wires are used, it is necessary always to 

 have a twist of the tying material between the bark and wires, other- 

 wise canker may show itself. This precaution is specially necessary 

 with Cherries, Apricots, and Peaches. When tying is made to nails (a 

 system we rather like by placing nails thinly and permanently), the 

 wood should be also clear of the metal. When shreds are used (a prac- 

 tice we never countenanced), they should not be tightened to injure 

 the shoot, but plenty of room left for the wood to expand. Rasps 

 may be trained to wires, single stakes, or bent over, such as taste may 

 dictate. Crowding should not be allowed : four canes tied together, 

 growing 3 to 4 feet apart, are enough if they are strong. Proceed, if 

 not done, with Currant and Gooseberry pruning, and paint the shoots 

 with lime, soot, and cow-manure mixed, to keep off birds. Examine 

 fruit-stores. 



FLOWER- GARDEN. 



In this department the chief part of the work is keeping order and 

 sweetness. Whatever style the beds and borders are arranged in, the 

 same attention as to general management is necessary — rolling, sweep- 

 ing, using lime-water to keep worms quiet, and prevent their mischief 

 in lawns. Where flower-beds can be turned up to frost by trenching, 

 it will be of much advantage to the bedding plants next summer; 

 drought is thus prevented from burning up the roots, which it does 

 when they cannot get down out of its reach. Tulips and Hyacinths 

 should be protected during severe weather. Turfing, box-planting, 

 and repairing of edges, may be done at any time that weather is mild 

 enough for the operation. Now is a good time to have composts ready 

 for potting. Stock of cuttings for next year's supply may be examined, 

 and when kinds are scarce they may be placed in warmth to start them 

 into growth ; when large enough, they can be taken off as cuttings, 

 and propagated. This applies to such kinds as Verbenas, Petunias, 

 Heliotropes, Iresines, &c. All hardy and half-hardy plants under pro- 

 tection of glass should have plenty of air and light. Watering must 

 now be done with much care. Dribbling of surfaces will now be more 

 destructive than usual. Avoid throwing the water about the struc- 

 tures, especially when there is no means to dry it off quickly. A small 

 hotbed made now with leaves and a little horse-manure would bring 

 many things on to be increased, and also do well for propagating ; but 

 steam and unhealthy vapours should not be confined. 



