12 THE GARDENER. [Jan. 



in the pots, so that it may act satisfactorily at first, and continue to do 

 so until the plants need repotting again. 



A suitable compost for Azaleas consists of sandy loam or good fibry 

 peat — but not a mixture of both — and coarse river-sand, in the propor- 

 tion of four parts in bulk of loam or peat to one part of sand. When ap- 

 plying the compost to the roots of the plants make it as firm as possible, 

 and do not fill the pots over full ; leave plenty of room for holding 

 water. After being repotted the plants should be placed in a tem- 

 perature of 60°, shaded from sunshine, supplied with plenty of atmo- 

 spheric moisture, and a moderate amount of air for six weeks or so — 

 after which time they should get as much air as possible. 



About the middle of July the plants should be placed out of doors, 

 where they may remain till the middle of September. While standing 

 out of doors the pots should be placed within other pots, or wrapped 

 round with hay or straw bands, which serve the same purpose — that of 

 protecting the roots from injury through the action of the sun or dry 

 air on the outside of the pots. 



Watering. — No rule can be laid down as to how often this should 

 be done. The compost about their roots should not, however, be 

 allowed to become anything like dust-dry at any season ; and on the 

 other hand, a sloppy condition of the compost must be avoided. 



Insects. — Azaleas are liable to be attacked by mealy-bug, scale, green- 

 fly, red-spider, and thrips. The two last insects give most trouble. 

 Thrips in particular have a special liking for Azaleas, and if permitted 

 to overrun the plants, will soon destroy them. 



Placing the plants on their sides on a proper platform, and giving 

 them a good washing with cold water by means of the water-engine 

 now and again, will keep red-spider in check, and, at the same time, 

 prevent thrips from making much headway. 



If thrips get numerous, treat them to a strong dose of tobacco-fumes 

 on two or three successive evenings. J. Hammond. 



THE FRUIT-GARDElSr. 



No. I. 



What are called the small fruits are of greater value to persons with 

 very small gardens than are such fruits as Apples and Pears ; and with 

 such, a good supply for dessert, for cooking, and for jireserving may be 

 grown, without fail, in soil of a by no means favourable kind, and in 

 any climate within these islands. A small piece of ground, if properly 

 cultivated, may be made to yield a large quantity of Currants, Rasp- 

 berries, Gooseberries, or Strawberries, and that in a year or two from the 

 time of planting ; whereas Apple and Pear trees require much greater 

 space, are longer of coming into bearing, and are always precarious, even 

 although the soil and climate may be good. We therefore advise 



