194 



THE GARDENER 



April 1881. 



where they are to remain for use. 

 The surface should he rinely broken 

 over, and a dustini^ of salt given, suc- 

 ceeded by a dusting of guano in 

 showery weather. Plant out thongs 

 of Seakale about .3 or 4 inches long ; 

 rich deep soil is de><irable for this 

 vegetal)le. If a quantity is behind a 

 wall, hedge, or other shady position 

 for late supplies, cover with sand, 

 old tan, or any otlior light soil to 

 blanch it. Close-titting boxes (air- 

 tight) or pots will answer the pur[)ose. 

 Plant Rhubarb in rich ground. Sow 

 a pinch of Beet early in the month 

 for tirst supply — but main crops are 

 early enough last week of month to 

 first week in May. Deep, finely broken 

 soil, free from rank manure, suits Beet. 

 Tie up Lettuce to blanch. vSmall 

 Salads may be sown under hand- 

 lights. Celery may be sown under 

 hand-lights and plant-protectors, or 

 in open borders. Protection from 



frost should be used. Bring up all ar- 

 rears advised last month. As a remin- 

 der, look carefully over a catalogue 

 of relial)le character, and note what 

 should be planted and sown. Calcu- 

 late the extent of land at command, 

 and the rjuantities required, and regu- 

 late the crops accordingly. A glut 

 at one time and scarcity at another 

 defeat the object of utilising a priv- 

 ate garden. French Beans now forc- 

 ing are easily managed. They re- 

 quire abundance of moisture from the 

 syringe, and manure-water [)lentifully 

 when pots or beds are well filled with 

 roots. Sow Gherkins, Vegetable ^lar- 

 rows. Ridge Cucumbers, more Toma- 

 toes if wanted by middle of month. 

 Hoe and prong wherever it is required 

 to advance crops. Dust sawdust and 

 lime wherever slugs appear. Order 

 and absence of weeds should be every- 

 where. M. T. 



— -S'i-^'i'^^^^- 



All business communications and all Advertisements should be addressed to 

 the Publishers, and communications for insertion in the ' Gardener ' to David 

 Thomson, Drumlanrig Gardens, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. It will further 

 oblige if all matter intended for publication, and questions to be replied to, 

 be received by the 14th of the month, and written on one side of the paper 

 only. It is also requested that writers forward their name and address, not 

 for publication unless they wish it, but for the sake of that mutual confidence 

 which should exist between the Editor and those who address him. We 

 decline noticing any communication which is not accompanied with name and 

 address of writer. 



Jonx Wills. — If you will turn to page 574 of our volume for 1880, you will 

 there find a special notice of the very liberal prizes you are offering for fruit 

 at the Edinburgh Show, 1882. In our March issue you will at page 135 see 

 notice of your Manchester prizes for next September. 



E/OBERT Greenfield. — The blooms of Double Cineraria, Mrs Thomas Lloyd, 

 came to hand in good condition. It is by far the finest Double Cineraria yet 

 offered, and cannot fail to be popular : the blooms are nearly 2 inches in 

 diameter, globular, and of a rich purplish crimson. 



A. S. — The box in which you sent the leaves was smashed to pieces, by the 

 post-office stamp no doubt. We cannot, however, undertake to name plants 

 from leaves even if they reach us in good condition. 



