526 THE GARDENER. [Nov. 



general tieatmeut of lihododeudrons brought ]Mr Clark's most interesting 

 paper to a close. 



]\Ir James Laird, Moniiieth Nurseries, then read a i)aper on "Transplanting." 

 In taking up his subject, Mr Laird referred to natural, varied, and curious 

 means for insuring the distribution of plants, in the first place by seed-sowing. 

 In this the wind played an important part. The feathered songsters of our 

 fields and woods also did much to mix and spread the vegetation of our globe. 

 Much of their food consisted of seeds which in many instances escaped injury 

 in the process of digestion, and were often deposited in distiicts far remote 

 from their original position. Transplanting was an artificial means of dis- 

 tributing plants at an advanced stage of their growth, so as to suit the re- 

 quirements and taste of each individual operator. Mr Laird then spoke of the 

 various devices used to assist in the removal of large and bulky trees, and 

 mentioned some instances of enormous specimens being transported to great 

 distances with the greatest success. He then passed on to the more practical 

 part of his subject, and treated at some length of the proper seasons for trans- 

 planting, making some reference to the various arguments in favour of both 

 spring and autumn planting. His own opinion was, that spring planting in 

 the case of evergreens, and autumn planting in the case of deciduous subjects, 

 was perhaps the safest system. He had to admit, however, that much good 

 argument had been used in favour of the reverse course. The preparation of 

 the tree before removal, and the mode of carrying out the operation, were then 

 referred to, with which, and other valuable hints, 3Ir Laird concluded his 

 paper. A lively discussion followed. 



Hearty votes of thanks were awarded the readers; and a like compliment 

 being paid to the chairman, the meeting closed. 



FORCING DEPARTMENT. 



Pines. — As a rule it is not desirable well rooted, when the above treatment 

 to keep Pine plants that are expected should be applied to them also. If 

 to make a vigorous growth next season any strong suckers have been shifted 

 in an active growmg condition after last month with the intention of their 

 the beginning of this month. Early being fruited next autumn, these 

 autumn - potted suckers will now be should be kept growing gently all 

 well rooted, and if kept moist and winter, provided they are in light 

 warm would grow freely, but it is structures and near the glass. Give 

 much better to keep them quiet— rest- all young stock more or less air every 

 ing them without stinting through the | day, and see that none of the plants 

 dull months of winter. The night are under a drip, or the soil will be- 

 temperature should not exceed 60°, j come soured, and they will suffer in 

 and when it is cold or windy a few consequence. All plants of Queens 

 degrees lower will be better. If the | intended to start into fruit soon after 

 bottom - heat ranges between 75'' and i the turn of the day should be kept at 

 80° it will be high enough. Keep | 60° at night : these should be kept 

 them just moist at the roots; avoid I rather drier at the root than suckers, 

 the extremes of dryness and moisture. ' and with a bottom-heat of about 80°. 

 The atmosphere should be dry rather j Those that are intended to start later, 

 than otherwise, without being parch- to form a succession to the earliest 

 ing. Recently potted suckers should (jiieens, must not be allowed to be- 

 have 5° more top and bottom heat till come very dry, or they may get a 



