258 THE GARDENER. [June 



Flowerhirf Shrubs. — In the soutliern counties, many such kinds as 

 Double Deutzias, Spiraeas, Dwarf Lilacs, Veronicas, Prunuses, Abuti- 

 lons, tfec, are frequently hardened off, cut back, and when breaking 

 afresh are planted on a well-prepared, sheltered border, having first 

 had their balls of soil considerably reduced and the roots trimmed. 

 In this manner the majority of the plants recruit their strength suffi- 

 ciently to admit of being forced the following season. Many err in 

 not hard -pruning these forced shrubs, forgetting that the weakly 

 growth that has resulted in many instances will not flower. Cut 

 back hard, and if the locality be warm, plant out, or if the reverse is 

 the case, shake out the roots, trim them, and repot into good rich 

 soil. When well established, plunge in the open borders, and encour- 

 age to root through into the soil. When plunged in pots, they will of 

 course require to be watered occasionally. 



Berry-bearing Plants. — Although somewhat uncertain to which of 

 the foregoing methods to give the preference, I have no doubt as to 

 w^hich is most suitable for Solanum capsicastrum, and Capsicums of 

 sorts. The former, especially, are frequently planted out and lifted 

 again in the autumn, by these means securing a good set of berries ; 

 but I much prefer to shake out and repot when breaking afresh after 

 being pruned, and when well established, hardening off and plunging 

 at the base of a warm wall. This plan checks luxuriant growth, and 

 at the same time, by encouraging the roots to work out into the soil, 

 they are sufficiently vigorous to perfect a good crop of fruit, without 

 the risk of injury by lifting. In warm localities. Capsicums will ripen 

 well under a south wall, but if required more for ornament than use, 

 they are best plunged in pots. Capsicum Princess of Wales is par- 

 ticularly ornamental during the early winter months, and may be 

 grown as above advised. This variety, or, indeed, any of the Capsi- 

 cums, should not be pinched back at any time, and a few strong 

 branches on the Solanums are generally more effectively fruited than 

 a greater number of weaker ones. 



Violets. — I am referring to these only to condemn the practice of 

 planting them near the roots of any valuable fruit-trees, as I know of 

 no more " hungry-rooted " plant. The roots spread rapidly, and fre- 

 quently to a very great depth, and quickly absorb all the fertilising 

 properties of the soil, to the obvious detriment of the only legitimate 

 occupants. By all means grow as many Violets as possible, especially 

 if there be ladies to please ; but, if possible, keep them clear of valu- 

 able fruit-trees. After all, a large frame full of Marie Louise will 

 yield as many large beautifully -scented double flowers as will be 

 required. 



Although I have by no means exhausted the list of plants that 

 may be grown on south borders, what I have already written will 

 occupy as much space as our editor will feel justified in allowing. 



W. Iggulden. 



