1871.] NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 439 



lift the old plants before there is danger from frost. Old Geraniums flower beat 

 in moist localities. 



S. 0. — Rake out as much of the moss with a sharp-toothed rake in the end of 

 March, and topdress with a rich compost. This will cause the grass to grow more 

 luxuriantly, and keep the moss in check. See that the lawn is not wet and in 

 need of drainage. 



A Reader. — Any respectable nursery firm can supply them good. We cannot 

 recommend tradesmen. 



A Lover of Hyacinths. — For early flowering, pot them at once in Hyacinth 

 pots, which any nursery or pottery firm can supply. The compost should be 

 equal proportions well-rotten cow-dung, friable loam, and clean sand. Plunge 

 the pots in a cold frame in coal -ashes or light soil. 



T. N The very cold wet summer, and probably green-fly, is the cause of Red 



Currant leaves falling. The crop may not be so good next year in consequence. 

 Raby Castle is not so subject to lose its leaves, and is otherwise an excellent 

 variety. 



M. 0. — Many thanks. Be as practical as the subject will permit. 



R.. T. — "We have simply recommended what we practise, and would like to 

 know why a young gardener should be called upon to labour extra time on worse 

 terms than any mechanic. "We have great sympathy with young gardeners, and 

 know their hardships from experience, and want to see them have at least fair- 

 play. 



Nemo. — Perhaps it will. But we have no faith in any leader in horticulture 

 who himself has not been a successful practitioner. Would you like any one to 

 doctor you, who, like Dr Hornbook, killed all Lis patients ? 



A Gardener. — The heaviest bunch of Grapes that we have any knowledge of, 

 was grown and exhibited by Mr James Dickson, Arkleton Gardens, Dumfriesshire. 

 It weighed 19 lb. 5 oz. Mr Fowler produced a bunch something over 17 lb., and 

 long ago Mr Speechly produced one 19 lb. weight. No doubt these weights may 

 yet be exceeded. 



T. J. S. — The best way is to plant a dozen or more of the most popular sorts 

 of Strawberries, and find out by experience which suits your garden best. Soil 

 and climate have great influence, and some that are splendid bearers in one district 

 are absolutely useless in others. Now is a good time to plant on well- worked 

 rich soil. 



A Subscriber.- — Get Euclid and a set of mathematical drawing instruments, 

 and produce on paper all the figures in the first few books ; after that you will be 

 able to go on with all the geometric drawing that you will require. We would 

 also advise you to possess yourself of Cassell's ' Popular Educator,' and master all 

 in that on the siibject of drawing. You may find such work as this dry at first, 

 but in the long-run most fascinating and mind-improving. You have already 

 a good foundation for a good handwriting, and if you want to improve it, write 

 down the letterpress of Euclid as well as the figures. This will help to put an 

 edge on your reasoning faculties. 



Captain R. W. P. — The excessive vigour of your Pear-tree fully accounts for 

 its barrenness. Root-pruning and a poorer soil are your remedies ; and as the 



