172 THE GARDENER. [April 



Though Tuberous Begonias do well in a greenhouse after they 

 are fairly established, still in the earlier stages of their growth <ach 

 season they must have heat until they reach the flowering stage, 

 and even then they do best in a warm greenhouse or intermediate 

 house. They do not like cold draughts, therefore they should not be 

 placed where there is risk of this. In the south of England and in 

 parts of Ireland some of the kinds do fairly well planted out of doors. 

 It is to be feared, however, that we will never get a strain of them 

 sufficiently hardy to stand out in Scotland. Even in England and in 

 Ireland any plants that we have seen had a dwarfish, stunted habit of 

 growth, and were not at all to be compared to the general run of 

 Geraniums for effect in the flower-garden. J. G., W. 



HARDY FRUITS. 



It is seldom that any pruning or planting of fruit-trees is left till 

 April, but in some quarters such may be the case this season. Late 

 planting will require more than ordinary care, and if the weather is 

 dry, a good watering may be necessary : mulch carefully, and see that 

 the soil is not left loose about the roots. Stakes must be provided for 

 trees which are liable to be blown about by winds ; and when ties are 

 used, let the bark remain intact and free from bruises : old cloth or 

 leather should be placed between the bark and the tying material. 

 Apples and Pears may yet be pruned ; they do not suffer so readily as 

 some other fruits. In grafting one variety of fruit-tree on another of 

 same species, care should always be taken to let at least one side of 

 the bark of stock and scion fit closely : a careful tying to keep the 

 graft in its position is of much importance. We have grafted success- 

 fully till end of April, and this season, growth being late, wilt aid 

 the success of this operation. The sooner (if not already done) all 

 trees are tied in their positions the better : tie so that plenty of room 

 is left for the wood to expand and be safe from cutting by the ties. 

 Blossoms, though late, should be retarded as much as possible. Full 

 power of sun should be warded off : it is the extremes which do the 

 harm. Apricots may have set their fruit thickly, but thinning should 

 be done cautiously and not in a hurry. Much severe weather may yet 

 be experienced. Disbudding of Peaches, Plums, and Apricots may be 

 put in practice ; but sudden exposure is dangerous. The foliage is a 

 natural covering to the fruit, and should be removed with much caution. 

 All outgrowing shoots should be removed first : in a week or ten 

 days the trees may be gone over again. Misplaced shoots should be 

 removed, and where there are vacancies, wood should be left to fill them 

 up. Rank-growing shoots should be either removed to give place to 

 moderate ones, or be stopped to equalise the flow of sap. Let all spurs 



