i88i.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 357 



Having lately been called to visit large market-grounds (one garden 

 from 70 to 100 acres), we found the difference of results obtained 

 within a range of only a few score of yards to be most striking. 

 We noticed large breadths of Plum-trees, many of them the " fruit of 

 the district," Pershore eggs, and not a fruit on them — the cause not 

 being far to seek, and well known to the manager and his able assist- 

 ants. Skill has been expended here, and success has been achieved 

 too, in days gone by; but this year failure is complete. A neighbour 

 who leaves his trees to the tender care of the elements has heavy crops 

 of "Pershore eggs," he does not know why — but those who have 

 made the matter a study know the cause ; and by way of contrast, 

 the Strawberry crop in the skilfully managed garden is magnifi- 

 cent, while the proprietor rich in Plums has none. The cause of this, 

 too, is seen at a glance — worn-out old plants and absence of manure. 

 The fruitful lot are on well-trenched land enriched with plenty of farm- 

 yard manure. Wall-trees, up to time of fruit ripening, may have fre- 

 quent drenchings with hose (where such is in use). Cleanliness is a very 

 important item in wall-tree management. Where fruit is abundant, 

 they can be turned to good account by thinning before they begin 

 to ripen. While Plums are hard, they can be bottled on the French 

 system, and stored for winter use. We have seen (by a Frenchman) 

 extraordinary results from this practice : Green Gages bottled quite 

 hard and sour, and the follow^ing winter and spring, or later, turned out 

 for use, with the " Gage " flavour unmistakably distinct. The green- 

 fruit preserving is by no means general ; we, however, know more of 

 the results of the manner of preserving. Strawberries should be 

 planted without delay : ground well enriched and properly dug is the 

 chief secret of success in raising this very desirable fruit. 



The work of propagation must now have due attention ; much of the 

 success of next year will depend on the work being eflSciently carried 

 out this season. Tender kinds should be put in hand first. Clean pots, 

 pans, or boxes, should be ready ; also crocks and plenty of clean loam ; 

 sand, with a little peat or leaf-mould ; sandy loam, with some clean 

 sand over the top, and the whole deeply drained, will answer most 

 purposes. Such plants as Alternantheras, Iresines, and Coleus should 

 be taken first ; then may follow Verbenas, Petunias, Ageratums, and 

 similar kinds. Pelargoniums of all kinds do well in boxes, pans, 

 or pots, placed in the full sun ; or a border well broken, and the cut- 

 tings planted thickly in it, answers well when they are to be potted. 

 The more delicate Tricolors and smaller-growing golden kinds may have 

 first attention. They might be placed singly in the centres of small 

 pots ; and these pots, placed in the full sun, plunged in old tan, leaf- 

 mould, or cocoa-nut fibre. Rare or valued kinds may be lifted, potted, 

 and placed in frames or pits to get them to good size for increasing 

 stock — an extra number should always be in hand to meet casualties. 

 The system of cramming structures with all kinds of plants brings 



