494 THE GARDENER. [Nov. 



Harpalium rigidum. — This is one of the most showy of autumn 

 flowers. The flowers are very large, deep golden-yellow, with a con- 

 spicuous black disc. The plant attains to a height of about 3 feet, and 

 the flowers continue throughout September and October. 



Stenactis speciosa. — Blue Aster-like flowers in open corymbs on erect 

 stems, appearing in August and September. 



W. Sutherland. 



Craigleitii Nursery, Edinburgh. 



HARDY FRUITS. 



The time has arrived when all planting of fruit-trees should be brought 

 to a close as speedily as possible. Though this may be done, and in some 

 cases extensively, between November and April, it is an established 

 opinion that the sooner the trees are in their places and the roots care- 

 fully protected, after the foliage has done its work of maturation, the 

 more healthy they are likely to become. This season's growth has 

 generally been later, and consequently the leaves will hang later; 

 but in most cases there will be every safety in proceeding with the 

 work of planting as early as means will allow. First of all, see that 

 drainage is perfect. Stagnant water is a certain destroyer of the 

 hardiest of fruit-trees. Drains 3 feet deep, and every 25 feet or less 

 apart, may be necessary for low-lying damp orchards. The minor 

 drains should be led into a main one, and that should carry the water 

 right off. Trees in such positions should be kept well above ground- 

 level at time of planting. If the whole ground can be trenched, so 

 much the better. Next to this, large holes should be formed, and at a 

 foot and a half from the surface a quantity of lime, rubbish, and broken 

 bricks may be firmly placed. It is of importance that the roots should 

 grow outwards instead of downwards. At the first they should be 

 placed evenly over the surface of the soil, and covered with good rich 

 loam ; and to keep the roots safe during the winter, a coating of litter 

 may be placed over the whole ; but when soil is not rich, half-rotten 

 horse-manure will suit well. It is always of importance to induce the 

 roots to grow upwards : this induces fruitfulness, and keeps the trees 

 in good health. Whether trees are planted on walls, espaliers, borders, 

 or in orchards, the treatment of the roots is on the same principle — 

 that of plenty of fibre near the surface, and an absence of those which 

 run downwards, Carrot-like, which keep the trees in gross growth, 

 barrenness, and liable to canker. Root-lifting and pruning are topics 

 which often create some attention at this season. In three contem- 

 poraries, views of cultivators are given, all varying more or less ; and 

 evidently some views are much opposed to others. One strongly 

 objects to root-cutting during the growing season ; another, who 



